Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School recenlty had a very exciting day. Over 200 fathers arrived in school, donned chef’s hats, and served pizza with gusto to all of the children. Dads Do Lunch is an annual Ladies Auxiliary event, a favorite of children and parents alike, and this one was the best ever.
The day also marked the dedication of the elementary school’s fully renovated gym, generously donated by Ronit and Hagai Laniado.
Friends and family of the Laniados joined students, faculty and parents at a short presentation during Dads Do Lunch. Elementary school Principal Rabbi Lawrence Schwed opened the program and explained how the gym is used for many purposes throughout the school day, from lunch to gym to all different kinds of sports teams’ practices and games; it seems like the gym never gets a rest. He thanked the Laniados for enhancing student life at the school and for donating such a beautiful facility that will be used by so many students now and in the future.
YOF Executive Vice President Dennis M. Eisenberg also spoke, recounting Hagai’s long-term relationship with YOF. Hagai was not only a student at the school; he was captain of the High School Falcons Varsity Basketball Team. His dedication to the yeshivah manifests today as a committed alumnus, parent and trustee. Mr. Eisenberg thanked Hagai and Ronit for coming forward to help meet the school’s needs and provide every child with an improved and top-quality facility. He emphasized that the updated gym, with its superior lighting, new flooring and walls, bleacher-style seating, six baskets and new scoreboard, is a magnet for children and an encouraging environment for classes, sports programs and teams.
Representing the Middle Division Athletic Department, headed by Mr. Michael Gelber, captains of the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams and the Boys Varsity Hockey Team, Louis Ades, Muriel Dervich, Vivianne Wahba and Tzvi Valinsky, concluded the program by thanking the Laniados on behalf of the students and presenting them with a token of their appreciation—a basketball and hockey stick signed by every team member.
The presence of so many fathers that day added extra enthusiasm to a special occasion. Yeshivah of Flatbush and, of course, the children really appreciated the fact that the fathers took a break from their busy days and enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with their children and share a fun lunch together.
_____________
Bebe Levitt is the Yeshivah of Flatbush Alumni Director. Photos courtesy of Diane Chabbott and Peggy Chernikoff.
