Anan Kvodo, Envisioned as a Special Needs Village, Holds Kickoff Fundraising Event
ANAN KVODO’s first fundraiser last Thursday evening was a remarkable success. Philyss Seidenfeld, co-founder and one of the executive directors, described the night as the official birth of the organization. Until now Anan Kvodo was a vision, the kick-off event was the dream coming to life.” The proceeds exceeded all expectations as over $4,000 was collected. “The word is being spread and people are full of interest and excitement,” said Seidenfeld, “the organization is now in the next ballpark.” At the event, guests enjoyed listening to the classic rock and roll of “The Nite Brigade,” a band comprised of performers, Rich Mansour, Jon Taub, Rich Oshinsky, Mike Wechsler, Paul Elkouss, and Jason Horowitz. “Everyone had a great time,” said Seidenfeld, “the food from Grand and Essex and Chickies was abundant and our locals did not hesitate to jump on board. “Huge kudos to Nancy Miller-Fishman of Teaneck who went above and beyond with her amazing computer skills to create the flyer, emails and do the PR. The event was sponsored all around.”
“Hashem is helping…Yagiyah Z’man,(the time has come)” said Seidenfeld as 501c3 status was miraculously granted Erev Shavuot, a status that usually takes 6 to 9 months or longer. Anan Kvodo will be a village where 18+ year old, high-functioning special needs individuals will live and work. Resembling a kibbutz model, work opportunities will include farming, gardening and craft making. The future goal is to expand services that provide care for the more physically and medically challenged, as well as respite care below the age of 18. The Founders of Anan Kvodo are privileged to be mentored by and working with Camphill Village in Copake, NY. Camphill Village has been in existence for 50 years and is a very successful operation.
On March 22, 2005, single mother Philyss Seidenfeld lost 4 of her 7 children in a fire at their home. Philyss miraculously recovered and knew there was a reason for her survival.Natan, her youngest captioned in the photo, was a high-functioning Down’s syndrome 4 year old that would have been the perfect “villager”. The Anan Kvod was the cloud (The All-Mighty) that followed the Children of Israel in the desert for 40 years; it guided, protected, guarded, fed, and loved our nation. Not only is that our mission statement, but it is the English acronym for the names of the Seidenfeld children: Ari, Noah, Adira, and Natan (ZL). Although they lost their home, the Village will be a place for their memory to live on.
Anan Kvodo Co Founders and Executive Directors consist of Philyss Seidenfeld R.N., B.S.N. – Director of Project Development and Medical Services, Shulamit Kind – President and Treasurer and Moishe Konig – Director of Quality Improvement. The organization is constructing its website, pursuing a property, and seeking contributions.. Be on the lookout for the logo contest going out to sleep away camps for students in grade 6 and above. Please send any inquiries to [email protected].
“Hashem is helping…Yagiyah Z’man,(the time has come)” said Seidenfeld as 501c3 status was miraculously granted Erev Shavuot, a status that usually takes 6 to 9 months or longer. Anan Kvodo will be a village where 18+ year old, high-functioning special needs individuals will live and work. Resembling a kibbutz model, work opportunities will include farming, gardening and craft making. The future goal is to expand services that provide care for the more physically and medically challenged, as well as respite care below the age of 18. The Founders of Anan Kvodo are privileged to be mentored by and working with Camphill Village in Copake, NY. Camphill Village has been in existence for 50 years and is a very successful operation.
On March 22, 2005, single mother Philyss Seidenfeld lost 4 of her 7 children in a fire at their home. Philyss miraculously recovered and knew there was a reason for her survival.Natan, her youngest captioned in the photo, was a high-functioning Down’s syndrome 4 year old that would have been the perfect “villager”. The Anan Kvod was the cloud (The All-Mighty) that followed the Children of Israel in the desert for 40 years; it guided, protected, guarded, fed, and loved our nation. Not only is that our mission statement, but it is the English acronym for the names of the Seidenfeld children: Ari, Noah, Adira, and Natan (ZL). Although they lost their home, the Village will be a place for their memory to live on.
By Nancy Miller
