Lights, camera and fashion were the main attractions on the runway, as Magen David Celia Esses High School held an exhilarating and meaningful fashion show to raise money for the Sharsheret organization.
A large crowd gathered in the auditorium to raise awareness of breast cancer while watching an inspiring and uplifting fashion show. This event was part of the Magen David Celia Esses High School’s 9th grade hesed program. The program’s sole purpose is to give the students the opportunity to use the lessons they learn in the classroom to help others. When a group of 9th grade girls were looking for a hesed project, they embraced the Sharsheret organization.
“Every aspect of this amazing event was developed, planned and executed by the students of MDY. The leadership experience they have gained is immeasurable; the impact they have had on those around them, incalculable; the personal growth in each member of the committee, priceless. It is this mix of hesed and scholarship that makes Magen David the amazing institution that it is,” said Charles Anteby, the Director of Special Programming.
Rochelle Shoretz, founder of Sharsheret, addressed the crowd, thanking MDY Principal Richard Altabe, Charles Anteby and their entire committee for organizing the evening. In November 2001, while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Rochelle Shoretz founded Sharsheret, a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for young Jewish women facing breast cancer. Since its founding, Sharsheret has responded to more than 19,000 calls and emails from those affected by breast cancer, health care professionals, and women’s and Jewish organizations. Impressed with the enthusiasm and excitement displayed by event attendees, Ms. Shoretz said she will use the energy generated from this event to help fight her second battle with breast cancer.
The event also featured a Sharsheret video presentation depicting Team Sharsheret at the New York City Race for the Cure. Magen David Yeshivah High School sponsored Team Sharsheret 2009 with a large group of students joining the Sharsheret Race Team.
The evening was dedicated and sponsored in memory of two unbelievable women who lost their lives to breast cancer, Grace Hidary A”H and Bella Oren A”H. Their families hope that the evening provided awareness and education, and many women will be enlightened by it.
Millie Marcus and Joyce Mizrahi did a wonderful job
emceeing, while girls and women of all ages sported some of the spring’s newest styles and fashions for all occasions. All the fashions were provided by Cici Fashion 101 Special Occasions and Pink Label. The school’s lobby was empowered by pink desserts and a pink Chinese Auction!
The evening would not have been possible without its countless volunteers, especially: Richard Altabe, Charles Anteby, Rochelle Beyda, David Shamah, Rose Betesh, Hadass, Vivianne Sitt, Nathan Tawil, Crawford’s and the freshman girls hesed committee. Many thanks also go to the senior girls: Renee Sutton, Raquel Cayre, Margie Mathews, Jacqueline Elbaz, Theda Beyda, Michelle Mizrahi, Lillian Zafrani, Renee Steinberg, Sarah Bawabeh, Alex Smeke and Fortune Safdieh, and to Linda Hidary. Magen David would also like to thank its generous sponsors.
The real stars of the evening are the women who are bravely battling cancer; and to Sharsheret, for guiding and racing for a cure for this dreaded disease. For more information about Sharsheret’s free, confidential programs and services, please visit sharsheret.org, email info@sharsheret.org or call, toll-free, (866) 474-2774.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
