Six months ago, Jacky Shwecky sat at a table and told us: “If you feed one hungry person, you earn your place in the next world.” He emphasized that the youth are the future of this community and that as the youth, we needed to start the path. Since then, those words have been ringing through our heads and they continue to shape the way we approach raising money for all organizations. This summer, we started with the Sephardic Food Fund.
On July 28th, a wonderful event took place, planned by a committee with members as young as 16. They created a day that brought smiles to the many and raised a significant amount of money to feed the hungry families in our community.
The day began with 500 vibrant smiles gathering at the launch of the first ever community color run. The Color Splash 5k, as it is called, had volunteers throwing 600 pounds of paint at the runners. As those runners crossed the finish line it wasn’t over. They gathered together, and with Ricky Esses bringing the jam, a cloud of colors brightened the streets of Long Branch. It was a dream in many eyes and as the morning event ended, SHOOTOUT, another dream, began.
For a dream to come true, it needs the right setting, warmth, and support. That is exactly what our hosts gave us. Esther and Joey Jerome generously opened their home to a brilliantly organized Chinese Auction, a professional layout of food and barbecue by Prime Cut, and a packed day of sports for 300 players in basketball, tennis, volleyball, and soccer.
The players began by meeting at the Jerome residence. There they were handed bags filled with sweatpants, towels, iPhone cases, socks, sweatbands and sunglasses. Afterwards, they were relocated to their respective courts and began the regular season. As every fan will admit, the player’s talents were extraordinary and the competition surpassed their expectations. However, one team from each sport earned their respect as champions and took home a trophy and an iHome.
What began as a $100,000 goal and a dream became a doubled result and an unexpected reality. With the help of the youth, $200,000 was raised and will go on to feed 300 families for an entire month. At the first meeting for SHOOTOUT, Jacky stressed the importance of the youth getting involved. It is no surprise that they made the day successful, and it started with the young and sprightly committee working on this event for six months.
Thank you to the SFF SHOOTOUT committee: Ralph Mizrahi, Ezra Bibi, Eddie Sitt, Junie Maleh, Emily Schrem, Gloria Sitt, R’ Nathan Dweck, Sol Dayan, Gabrielle Sabbagh, Leo Sorcher, Morris “Mokass” Kassin, Harriett Sasson, Charles Saka, Isaac Sasson, Gloria Terzi, Norman “Stormins” Cohen, Leon Betesh, Zudy Shehebar, Joey Dweck, David Zami, Manny Haber, Haim Mizrahi, and to all of our volunteers. Your love for doing hesed is unmatched.
To all of our hosts and sponsors, we thank you for your warm support and hospitality. To our cordial hosts, Esther and Joey, we have tried but we cannot express our gratitude enough for your sensationally and irreproachably charitable hearts.
Get ready for Shootout ‘14!
Max Cohen is 19 years old and is currently an honors student at Brooklyn College. He helps many organizations throughout the community.
