Mike and Farnaz Delafraz, long-time supporters of the foundation, served as co-chairpersons of the event, and Mike lent his talents as master of ceremonies as well. Introduced by Rabbi Shlomo Braun, founder and director of the Aleh Foundation, Mike kicked off the evening by calling upon Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, a Foundation Rabbinical Board member and supporter of many years, to sing the national anthems of both the United States and Israel, as he has done so many times in the past.
The program began with remarks by Ricki Kudowitz, wife of the late Dr. Paul Kudowitz, in whose memory the evening was dedicated. Mrs. Kudowitz spoke beautifully of her husband’s love of music, so much so that upon their engagement, instead of exchanging jewelry they bought a piano. She went on to say that music, a part of all celebrations, is a part of the soul which helps keep families together, as evidenced by the large turnout of the Kudowitz family.
The event’s guest of honor, Dr. Steven Shelov, a world famous pediatrician and author of “Your Baby’s First Year,” which has sold more than 3.5 million copies, drew a large crowd of his own. He was honored for his many contributions to children’s causes. Joining Shelov were Herman and Dr. Olitsa Roth, who have been honored by the Aleh Foundation in the past, and Jules Fleischer, a foundation board member who introduced Dr. Shelov to the wonderful work of the foundation.
Jess Dolgin, CEO of the JMG Group in Los Angeles, received this year’s Executive Leadership Award. Dolgin, who lived in Israel for 20 years and is a licensed attorney there, is a marketing professional who recognized early on the power of the Internet to change the face of Jewish philanthropy. He brought a large contingent of friends and employees from California, and spoke of how helping a noble cause enriches one’s life, and the Aleh Foundation is just such a cause.
Jack and Violet Harounian, honorary board members and two of the hardest working philanthropists in the Jewish community, received a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition from Congressman Michael Grimm, a well-deserved honor. Jack and Violet were this year’s Tribute Chairpersons.
This year’s Young Leadership award was shared by Gil and Zoya Shenhav and David and Lisa Balassiano. The Shenhavs brought a wonderful group of family and friends to learn about the Foundation, and they promised to be part of the Aleh Foundation’s family for many years to come. The Balassianos, still celebrating the recent bar mitzvah of their son Joseph, are helping the Aleh Foundation make beneficial connections in the business world.
Randy Settenbrino closed the program by talking about how important it is to preserve the Jewish-American heritage established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in New York. The Lower East Side was a first home to many Jews who immigrated to America during that period. The Blue Moon is a living tribute to this heritage, one that helps us remember who we are and where we came from. Settenbrino closed his remarks by generously offering to make the Blue Moon available to the Aleh Foundation yearly for their event.
Farnaz and Mike Delafraz drew the winning tickets in the evening’s raffle. David Arking, a longtime friend and supporter of Aleh Foundation who was introduced by Aslam Bawabah, was the winner of two free flights to Israel. Also David Strauss won two nights at the Blue Moon Hotel.
For more information, please call the Aleh Foundation office at 1-800-317-ALEH or visit their website at www.alehfoundtionusa.org.
