On a crisp Hanukkah morning in Flatbush, the home of Fortune and David Edelstein buzzed with excitement as Toys for Simcha hosted a festive bake sale and auction.
Guests were greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats. The bake sale featured delectable fresh challah, sufganiyot, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and more. The auction offered an array of packages for everyone, including jewelry, sports tickets, Judaica, and men’s clothing. Thank you to the generous sponsors for helping make this stunning auction possible.
Attendees heard from Chaya Recu, mom of an adorable and energetic five year old boy with a complex heart condition. “When a child is in the hospital, your world shrinks,” shared Chaya. “The only thing you focus on or care about is getting your child better. Toys for Simcha adds breathing space. They give kids the opportunity to be a kid and be happy.”
“Our family recently attended the Toys for Simcha Hanukkah party,” she continued. “It was incredibly fun. We had time just to enjoy being a family and going to a party like families do. When Ariel lit a candle in the menorah, he was beaming. It felt so good watching my son’s face light up. During the magic show, he got called up by Magic Al as a participant. He was laughing so hard. I’m so grateful for that moment of seeing him beyond happy. I couldn’t stop thinking, thanks to this organization for giving joy and healing.” Her words resonated deeply with everyone present, a heartfelt reminder of how the organization brings comfort, joy, and moments of normalcy to children facing medical challenges.
Mrs. Chani Shelby delivered an engaging Torah class for the women in attendance, in her encouraging and inspirational style.
Special thanks to the chairman of Toys for Simcha, Mr. Eli Cohen, and his dedicated wife, Helen, who worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.
The bake sale created awareness in the community about Toys for Simcha and our mission to bring happiness and healing to sick children. Many new women were excited to get involved and volunteer, and it also enabled us to connect with new families who need our services. We are grateful to bring happiness and healing to the children who need it most.
We are deeply grateful to our extraordinary event committee, whose dedication made this event a great success, including Maya Cohen, Helen Cohen, Naomi Benamu, Eden Harari, Raquel Habert, Esther Moghrabi, Ronette Mansour, Frieda Sutton, Sarah Bildirici, Lillian Manopla, Sarah Faks, Lauren Sitt, Sharon Savdie, Lorraine Salem, and Laurie Sutton.
A house full of women, coming together to make sure no child feels alone in their hardest moments. This Hanukkah bake sale was more than a fundraiser. It was a reminder that joy brings healing and that even the smallest moments of happiness can light the darkest days for a hospitalized child. Because Happy Kids Heal Faster!
