4 minute read
Faces & Places
Walk for Friendship
Hundreds turned out for Friendship Circle’s Walk for Friendship on Sunday, Aug. 29. Both in funds raised and in number of participants, this year was Friendship Circle’s most successful walk yet. The event raised more than $600,000 for individuals with special needs, surpassing the goal by $100,000.
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All the money raised at the walk will support Friendship Circle and allow the organization to continue providing support through recreational, social, educational and vocational programming to more than 3,000 individuals and their families.
The theme for this year’s walk was “You Belong,” which represents the idea that without each of us, the world is incomplete. Hundreds of Friendship Circle families and community members joined together at Friendship Circle’s Farber Center in West Bloomfield to celebrate the belief that every individual deserves friendship and belonging.
“After having to spend last year’s walk apart, we were grateful to see such an incredible turnout from the community,” said Friendship Circle co-founder Bassie Shemtov. “This was a record-breaking year, which wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible corporate sponsors, each and every donor and, of course, our amazing Friendship Circle families who never fail to support our mission.”
After the walk, participants celebrated their success with food, family activities, entertainment and more.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY FRANCO PR
Hundreds of supporters participated in Friendship Circle’s Walk for Friendship.
faces&places
Shaarey Zedek Hosts Fun Family Events
Congregation Shaarey Zedek has introduced new programs to bring together congregation members and the community with updated family-friendly and inclusive events for all ages, including Shabbat Shalom Tots, a family-friendly and musical Friday service.
Shabbat Shalom Tots, began in early summer for children ages 0-6 and their favorite adults — parents, grandparents and friends. More than 40 of them attended the Aug. 13 Friday afternoon outdoor service with Rabbis Aaron Starr and Yoni Dahlen, and Lindsay Mall, for singing, dancing and ice cream treats.
Congregation members were also on hand for Hazon Detroit’s Michigan Jewish Food Festival on Aug. 16. The CSZ family staffed a booth at the festival, offering complimentary healthy eating cookbooks and other information.
Other new programs include TGIS (Thank God it’s Shabbat), a Friday night “Green” Shabbat and Barbecue, which was vibrant musical service that asked attendees to focus on environmental best practices and ways to improve everyday sustainability; and the Twilight Stroll and Havdalah with Empty Nesters at Maybury State Park. The Empty Nesters is a group to foster camaraderie among those members with fewer family obligations.
“Our synagogue family works to meet members and the community where they are,” said Rabbi Aaron Starr.
“We’ve adapted our programs to the schedules and variety of interests of a diverse group of members, including keeping pandemic safety in mind. Our ability to pivot has worked to enrich the Jewish journeys of existing members and to attract new members as well. Our new programs fit their lives, and are meaningful and fun.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONGREGATION SHAAREY ZEDEK
Na’amah Segal Karas and Rhonda Rich
Rabbi Yoni Dahlen hands a popsicle to his son, Elior. Dierdre Holt and Barbara Levitt
Sue Smith and Na’amah Segal Karas.
Rabbis Aaron Starr and Yoni Dahlen, and Lindsay Mall made music. Shabbat Shalom Tots Ice Cream Party with ice cream by Hello Marla.
Works of Art
JN STAFF
On July 29, JARC held an art show in collaboration with Friendship Circle at Soul Studio in West Bloomfield. The show featured art by individuals with developmental disabilities who created the artwork throughout the pandemic. Approximately 150 people attended the art show, including the artists, friends, family, and other community members.
JARC is a 52-year-old Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities through group homes, independent living support, and in home respite care.
PHOTOS COURTESYOFJARC
Shauna
Shaindle, Jonathan and Paul
Kayla and Jenna Vivian
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