Make a wish—any wish. Now imagine that it’s yours for the keeping. The Special Children’s Center recently found a way to make dreams come true for some very lucky special children, and I was right there, enjoying every moment of glee. How does a day like this come about? For that I’ll have to rewind a bit. First, I’ll have to introduce you to Jenine Shwekey and Chaya Bender. More than a decade ago, these teenage firecrackers found themselves drawn to special children needing just a little more love than most. Together, with friends, they helped a couple of moms after school, during bath time, and on weekends.
Two special children led to three and four—their innocence beckoning—their neediness satisfying, somehow. Miraculously, the girls thought to rent an apartment to create a better environment and become more efficient in their care. “We’ll have a mural painted and make it a happy place—imagine how many kids we can watch here, imagine what we can do for them,” they pondered.
Looking for some furniture to fill the space, they came upon an even more incredulous find—Richie Dweck, who happened to have some baby furniture to spare. Hearing their dreams, he couldn’t help but get inspired as well. From that day forward he, along with so many generous community members, helped propel them on their journey. And that’s how it began.
Breakfast for Building
Shwekey, Harry Adjmi,
Richie Dweck, Gayle Krost,
Jenine Shwekey and Chaya Bender.
Fast forward to a gathering of supporters of The Special Children’s Center at Annie and Elliott Azrak’s home on a recent, glorious Sunday morning. Honoree and Master of Ceremonies, Harry Adjmi explained to the crowd, “Twelve years ago in David’s restaurant, Richie Dweck approached me saying, ‘We’re trying to buy a van for these kids,’ and from then on I’ve been smitten—and I’m not the only one; my brother-in- law Elliot Tawil and so many others, are knee deep in this wonderful cause!” Upon receiving a Hakarat Hatov Award, Harry continued, “I accept this, with so much honor, because with these amazing kids, you don’t just give, you receive.”
The day continued, as music played and people smiled and tears fell. Honors were awarded to the hosts, who spoke of the beaming faces of the children and the small miracles happening daily at the SCC. “It’s a thing of beauty to see a place built on promises fulfilled—a place delivering optimism and endless possibilities.” Honors also went to Carol and Ike Chera, whose daughters spoke with so much pride about the qualities their parents teach by example, and to Adele Laboz, for always making the time and looking out for the Center.
One mother spoke of the challenges faced individually and collectively by her special child and her family. More so though, she spoke of how those challenges and their wonderful son keep them real and true to themselves, teaching tolerance, compassion, patience and understanding, all without a spoken word. “This organization is always ready to give my son a good time. For ten years the love that they’ve given cannot be matched.”
Rabbi Eli Mansour spoke, as did Dr Gayle Krost, describing the wonder that is the Special Children’s Center and all they do for the children—the Disney trips, the after-schools, the Sundays, the legal holidays, the Shabbats, and of course the summer fun!
“No Center in the world is like this,” Dr. Krost explained. “People move here from all over the world to have their children hugged, loved and tucked into their beds at night. More than 200 children and families benefit from this miraculous center—from newborn to adulthood including group homes—only in this incredible community could that be made possible.”
Cry No More
The beauty and warmth of Yaakov Shwekey’s soothing voice brought the morning to a close, but not before Evan, a very special Center young man, joined him in song, on stage in all his glory. One guest remarked, “When Yaakov told his own story, so similar to Jenine’s, I had chills. The way they care is different than anyone I know. They are the real deal and the reason that Center exists. And when Evan got up and sang, he reached inside every one of us and tugged at our hearts.” Olivia, another beautiful Center child, joined them for the closing, and together their strength was palpable, and brought the house down in tears and applause. Oh, the power that confidence gives!
With that, the fundraising and thank you’s were complete. Donations were doubled and tripled, as hearts opened up and the crowd was invited back to support the Center the following week, but in a very different manner.
Dare to Dream
This year, at the home of Cookie and Stanley Chera, the Center’s special event was introduced as a fashion show; at least that’s what it said on the flyer. However, when both children and audience arrived, the Center and Doris Dweck’s “dream team” had a very different agenda, leaving jaws dropping all throughout Deal, New Jersey. Maybe the helicopter on the lawn was a little much, but Jenine didn’t think so—not one bit!
Fifteen years ago, Jenine and Chaya had a dream, to build a place where special children could be cared for with love and feel good about themselves. That dream was realized with the creation of the Special Children’s Center. At this event, it was the children’s turn to dream. “We didn’t give the kids ‘things’ today,” Jenine explained, “We gave them happiness. We gave them smiles. For one child that might mean a meet and greet with pop star Selena Gomez, for another it is as simple as seeing the first letter of her name blown up to life size. For another, it’s a Thomas the Tank Engine ride-on toy. It doesn’t matter what the dream is—what matters is that their dream is important to us, and that they are important to us. What’s more special than that?”
It started with trampolines for Michael and Zachary, two boys that love to jump. Raymond wanted to fly in a helicopter, and there it was, waiting for him to get in. Rina and Emily were both dressed as princesses, and their horse and carriage awaited them. Randi got an entire wardrobe from Vintage Havana, while the Center counselors cheered for her on the sidelines. One young lady’s dream was to walk in a fashion show, and don’t you know, that was easy on this magical day. Jenine explained, “For most of these kids this day was a miracle, and for their mom’s—the true heroes—we were overjoyed to make it happen. Years ago, this day would have been impossible, but we’ve come such a long way.”
Shooting Stars
Yvette Cohen, event coordinator, described her emotions as she planned the event. “The real reason I wanted to be a part of this is the fact that it was not a fundraiser, it was about the children and their families. It was about the kids having ‘their day,’ and they did! We had meetings where we tried to figure out how we were going to make each dream as special as the next. The planning seemed endless, but it was worth it when I saw Baila pushing her doll stroller up the aisle, smiling from ear to ear. To her, it was as fabulous as flying on a helicopter.”
Natalie Terzi added, “For these kids the best part may not have been the show itself. Beforehand each child went with their escort to pick out his or her outfit. Anything they wanted was given to them, including accessories, hats, sunglasses, and shoes! Before the show, as each girl had her hair and makeup done, they were elated. It’s not often that they have the opportunity to get all dolled up. To hear Emily, after she went down the aisle screaming, ‘I did it! I did it,’ was incredible. What a day!”
When Jenine asked me if I wanted to walk with a child in the show, I knew exactly who it would be. Yaakov is a vivacious and delicious little eight year old. At camp we painted together and became fast friends. At the show that day, we were next to last and Yaakov couldn’t wait to get on stage to dance and greet all of his new admirers. I don’t know if he knew what his prize would be, or if he cared, but what he did know was that he was an important part of the day—he was the star of the show and it showed.
Make a Wish
Of course, Olivia sang for us again. This time it was Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” and she rocked it out with dance moves and back up singers, Lillian Adjmi and Lynn Harary. Each child was amazing out there, but more importantly, they felt amazing. Their innocence and special beauty shined in a way only visible by eyes filled with wonder—our eyes. Why were we so moved by the event? Because in watching these kids “feeling like a million dollars,” as one said, we too felt that way.
It’s such a small thing, a necklace, or a doll, or a visit from Cinderella, and yet we could see the joy; we could feel it! When that registered for us, we became grateful too. We knew in our hearts that we too have that joy—despite all the little things that bother us day-to-day. The joy is in our kids, our spouses, our parents or friends. We just have to tap into it, and remember where we left it. That is our wish, and on that very special day, the Special Children’s Center made it come true for every person in attendance.
