Maybe it was the beautiful atmosphere, or perhaps it was the amazing array of gifts. Or was it the women’s laughter? The delicious food? Either way, it was one of the most extraordinary days the PTA has ever experienced.
We gathered at the beautiful home of Grace and Sandy Shalom. Everyone in attendance came with a beautifully wrapped gift. Bows and ribbons, boxes and bags; the dining room table was a magnificent sight to be seen. Hanukah had arrived at the Shaloms! After enjoying a gourmet lunch catered by Back to Nature, we were ready for the “main event.”
There was magic in the air as Cathy Ades, our fabulous Master of Ceremonies, helped by Grace Shalom, Hillel’s own Vanna White, began the bidding at $30 a gift. The gifts were amazing: Chanel lipstick, Toby Birch flip flops, a Coach wristlet and much more.
The secret bonus prizes were donated as well. The lucky winners were: Sarah Abadi, who won a Wii Fit; Laurie Sutton, who won an annual home repair contract; and Ellen Sutton, who won a digital camera. Laurie Sutton was the recipient of the Highest Bidder of the Day Award, and Grace Morris won the Most Frequent Bidder and Winner of the Day Award.
The zany personalities of the women like Linda Massry, Sarah Abadi, and “Grace in the back” kept the bidding lively and the excitement mounting!
We are amazingly lucky to have a spirited PTA that has one thing in common: their caring and concern for Hillel Yeshiva, its teachers and its children. The PTA works constantly to develop new ideas and programs for the betterment of our school and the quality of life at the Jersey Shore.
We are grateful to Grace and Sandy Shalom for opening their home to us. We are indebted to Sophia Seruya and Stephanie Dweck for chairing the event. Thank you to our PTA Presidents Sara Chrem and Michelle Zekaria, PTA Vice Presidents Vicky Gindi and Loren Hakim, and of course to the entire committee: Jennifer Labaton, Grace Shalom, Camille Saka, Rena Shaab, Laurie Sutton, Heather Ades, Arlette Cohen, Doris Dweck, Esther Epstein and Violet Gelapo.
No event is ever possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We thank the Saka Foundation, Anonymous, Camille and Raymond Saka, Jennifer and Murray Dayan, Joyce and Joe Zekaria, Casablanca, The Yellow Door and Surrey Lane for their continued support.
