YOF Chinese Auction

The promise of an evening of fun, imagination and wonder was more than fulfilled when guests entered Cirque de La Vie Chinese Auction of the Yeshivah of Flatbush recently. Unicycle riders, magicians and jugglers engaged the throngs of guests. Laughter and excitement filled the room. This was only heightened by the exciting Jets vs. Colts playoff success, broadcast on four beautiful large-screen TVs—some of the night’s prize offerings—displayed around the gorgeous Shaare Zion ballroom.

The great crowd of YOF supporters dined on sumptuous food and desserts, browsed and bid on incredible gifts, cheered on their New York team and had a great night out.

This big top-style extravaganza was brought to fruition by the efforts of an incredible team of YOF volunteers. The event was headed by Auction Chairpeople Vivian Farhi and Naomi Houllou, with Co-chair Andrea Falack, and you’d never know it was the first time this team collaborated on such a huge production. Their energy, ideas and skill were exceptional, plus they were helped by a multitude of talented and tireless volunteers. From months before, committees were in motion. Gifts were solicited and chosen by Marlene Antebi and Sherry Chemtob. Decorating and display were organized by Jamie Bailey and Carla Zeitouney. The beautiful auction book and advertising designs were created by Bertha Sabbagh, and previous auction chairpeople Amy Aini and Becky Cohen were always available to offer their advice and assistance. The night was both entertaining and successful, supporting the tuition assistance program of the Yeshivah of Flatbush.

Generous donors supported  this marvelous production. The Yeshivah is appreciative of the many parents, alumni, friends and colleagues who offer financial support to its mission of excellence.

Looking at the crowded and lively ballroom, Executive Vice President Dennis M. Eisenberg said, “The YOF Auction continues to be both a great friend raiser and fund raiser. It is successful because of the passion of our parents and community friends.”

You can’t have a circus without children, and there was no shortage of them at the auction, with special entertainment—The Brain Challenge Game—keeping them laughing, and a kids’ buffet offered all evening. Youngsters were mesmerized by the stilt walkers, the jugglers, and the wandering circus acts. They—as well as grownups—could also be spotted near the tables of the Instant Win Game, which handed out prizes all night to many lucky winners.

Ringmasters and emcees Moses Torgueman and Larry Spiewak continued their excellent tradition of greeting visitors and keeping the patter going.

Besides the prize tables offering a vast array of jewelry, technology, Judaica, luxuries for the home and opportunities to travel far from home, special raffles offered even more tantalizing gift opportunities. The Alumni Association, directed by Bebe Levitt, offered a choice of exciting prizes, including cars, travel and cash. The Ladies Auxiliary, led by President Rosie Dayan and president-elect Ami Sasson, offered a luxurious relaxation/spa package.

The YOF Chinese Auction has developed an interesting and happy tradition. For the second year in a row, a marriage proposal was offered (and accepted) during the calling of the gift winners. Mazal tov and mabruk to Sarah Shatzkes and Jay Guttman!

A Chinese auction is an endeavor that truly needs a large number of helpers to ensure success, and so many YOF parents, alumni and board members, faculty and staff and students stepped up to make a contribution of their time and funds. One special thank you is due to YOF parent Ralph Abettan, of Digital Control Solutions, who volunteered hours before the auction to connect and provide the feed for the Jets broadcast on the four LCD TVs which were prizes that night. The yeshivah is grateful to all our volunteers and donors. They help to ensure, in these turbulent times, that children from families in financial distress can continue to benefit from the standard of educational excellence that YOF provides.

Grateful recognition is also due to the vibrant leadership at YOF, headed by President Mark Goldstein, Treasurer Alan Shamah and Vice President for Fundraising Jack Mann, and to the dedicated YOF executive office staff, including technology and building services personnel, including Director of Operations Esther Kizelnik, all under the leadership of Executive Vice President Dennis M. Eisenberg.

Everyone is a winner on a night like this, when we witness the benefits that accrue to the children. Congratulations to all.
______________
Diane Chabbott is a publicist at the Yeshivah of Flatbush.