Lydia Ezon
The Morris I Franco Cancer Center’s 16th annual Table Set Go was recently held this past July at the home of Douglas and Joyce Jemal, and boy, was it better than ever!
Table Set Go is the Cancer Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year and it is so much more than just your typical chinese auction. What makes it so extraordinary is the themed table settings curated by several talented community women who display their artistic, creative visions, and the most inspiring panel led by Morris Kassab who interviews some of the Cancer Center’s clients.
This year’s table theme was hobbies. Each tablesetter had the opportunity to take either something they love or something meaningful to someone they love and bring it to life with a memorable tablescape. The mother and daughter duo Elyse Tebele and Michelle Shuster created an absolutely beautiful crochet table in memory of their grandma, Evelyn Massry a’h. The table was designed as a tribute to “the love she stitched into everything she made.”
The table was full of the colors Evelyn loved most, but what made it so special were all of the personal touches woven throughout it. One of Evelyn’s actual crocheted blankets was used as the tablecloth, and her tea set was incorporated into the setting, making her family feel as though she was right there with them. Even the smallest details, from the napkin rings and yarn bouquets to the adorable cakes, were crocheted!
Another table that completely brought this year’s theme to life was a tennis-inspired table created by Claudette Savdie, honoring her grandma, Cleo a’h and the game she loves. But like the crochet table, the tennis theme represented so much more than just a hobby. The table celebrated Cleo herself and the values she represents, which include friendship, authenticity, community, and bringing people together.
Every detail told a piece of her story. Vintage-style rackets were incorporated into the décor to represent “the connections and memories made along the way,” while tennis balls were tucked into a gorgeous centerpiece overflowing with florals and greenery. Even the place settings carried meaning. A seat at the table was described as “an invitation to connect,” reflecting the way Cleo has always welcomed others with authenticity and kindness.
Claire Cheika, vice president, credits the dedicated team of women who begin working months in advance and put countless hours into making the day possible. “They inspire me every day!”
Another powerful part of the day was, as always, the panel. There is something so different about hearing directly from the Cancer Center’s clients. You hear about the services the Center provides and see the work being done all year long, and listening to someone sit in front of the community and openly share what it feels like to actually go through cancer, and what it means to have this family beside you through it, is something so special.
For client Albert J. Savdie, speaking on the panel was about giving back some of the strength that had been given to him. “I wanted to share my experience with the community because I went through a difficult time, and I know I could not have gotten through it without Hashem, my family, and the incredible support of the community and the MIFCC,” Albert shared. “It was truly incredible to see how the Center mobilized on behalf of me and my family and supported us throughout my journey.”
What made sharing his story even more meaningful was what happened after the panel was over. In the days that followed, Albert was stopped by people who had been in the audience and told him that his words had inspired them. “If my story can give even one person hope, strength, or the motivation to never give up, then sharing it is worth it,” he said.
Alice Tawil also felt a responsibility to share her story as a way of giving back to an organization that had given so much to her. She spoke about something that can sometimes get lost when we talk about cancer, the challenge of continuing to live while simultaneously navigating your health.
Last summer was especially difficult for Alice. She described struggling between wanting to enjoy her summer and dealing with everything that came along with her health journey. The Cancer Center gave her somewhere to go and, more importantly, people to go through it with. Pool aerobics, toning, yoga, book club, cooking classes and other activities kept her busy, connected and happy during a time when she needed it most.
“I can say with confidence that Hashem and the Cancer Center helped me to the other side of this health challenge,” she shared. “The people I have met through the Cancer Center, the amazing volunteers, and the warriors who have faced their challenges head-on with strength and grace, have become my friends.”
That feeling of friendship and family is something we hear from Cancer Center clients year after year. Cancer can be scary and isolating, but the Cancer Center makes sure no one in our community has to navigate it alone.
President Nancy Sutton explains, “This day is so much more than a fundraiser. It’s a chance to make a difference and show the community who we are and that our doors are open to anyone in need.” This articulates exactly what it means when the Cancer Center welcomes a new client into their family.
“At the Center, we do everything we can to turn anxiety into hope and pain into comfort, all with care and compassion.” We’d like to give a round of applause to our community for making days like this possible.
