SBH’s 18th Annual Top Gun event took place on a beautiful day. The skies were clear, the sun was shining and everyone was excited to be there—players and spectators alike.
Upon arrival at the JCC, guests marveled at the amusement park rides and boardwalk games, which included Roll a Ball, Basket Hoops, and Target Water-Gun Shooting. Everyone was pleased to find a $10 coupon for the Chinese Auction with their entry ticket. Major prizes were given away, including a Samsung Plasma TV, exquisite jewelry by Shine Jewelers and William Barthman, an iMac computer, and a Wii Fit. However, as exciting as these prizes were, they paled a drop next to the shiny, brand new red Ferrari that Marquis Auto generously acutioned off. The winner had the choice of driving the fabulous Ferrari for three days or $3,000 towards their next car lease.
As volunteers made sure that the day went smoothly, it was clear how much work had gone into putting Top Gun together. Our caring, dedicated community worked hard to make the day a success.
And what a success it was. The JCC swelled with hundreds of parents, children, and gifted sports players, all of whom came for one purpose: to help raise funds for a very worthy cause. Top Gun’s fundraising affords the community’s children the opportunity to attend many different summer camps, and to enjoy their summer with friends. The event also supports SBH’s Food Pantry, a non-profit organization which feeds many community families.
As children hopped on the slides, tilt-a-whirls, and lined up for snow cones, cotton candy, and candy apples, their parents watched proudly. In between carnival rides, games, and tournament hopping, guests enjoyed a tastefully catered barbecue lunch then at 5 pm, the menu shifted to a delicious steak dinner provided by Zami Caterers.
As always, the trournaments included basketball, dodge ball, volleyball, soccer, backgammon and more. Fierce basketball player Freddy Mann said, “The competition is the best it’s ever been.”
Robert Rezak, head of dodge ball, stated “Top Gun allows for new friendships. Dodge ball is a very competitive sport and we have a great time playing.”
Head of volleyball, Joey Mizrahi added, “It’s always wonderful to see people come out for a great event, even when the thermometer is pushing triple digits.”
At the Bananagrams tournament, Hannah Cohen, Sylia Tawil, and Julie Mizrahi laughingly agreed, “We need to be smart and quick for this game, but we aren’t doing it to win, we’re doing it to raise money.”
Over at the Camp Ora field, the girls’ soccer team played their absolute best. Muriel Maslaton, Sophia Barnathan, and Beatrice Mizrahi explained that “Soccer is a team effort. Everyone is very involved and there are no sore losers.”
Ezra Bibi and Eddie D. Sitt said that everyone worked hard and played hard.”
Jeffrey Gindi and the entire board of SBH would like to thank: Steven Novick, JoJo 
Chehebar, Teddy Chattah, Abraham Kassin, Jennifer Dayan, Ralph Mandil, Joey Mizrahi (AKA Stick), Sophia Mizrahi, Linda Mizrahi, Vicki Ades, Shirley Mamiye, Marcelle Arzt, Eddie D. Sitt, Jacob I. Kassin, Eddie Rahmey, Ikey Arzt, Robert Rezack, Leo Tawil, Isaac Sasson, Joey Dweck, Morris Antebi, Morris Zami, Joey Zami, Solly Bawabeh and David Hazan.
Another special thanks to the Long Branch Fire Department, Police Department and 
Hatzalah who assured everyone’s safety. Thank you to the JCC’s Shlomo and the volunteers who did an amazing job, especially Chuckie Beyda whom they could not have done without.
Thanks also go out to those who attended and help make every Top Gun even better than the last.
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Raquel Gabbai Laniado is a Graduate of Hunter College, with a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Music. Raquel is a singer and performer, and a writer for Image Magazine and Sephardic Bikur Holim.
