(Courtesy of Chai Lifeline) Chai Lifeline will celebrate its 2018 Annual Gala on Monday, November 19, at The Grand Hyatt in New York City. Synonymous with providing social, emotional and financial support to children and families battling pediatric illness, Chai Lifeline offers this vital assistance through its two unique, medically supervised overnight camps, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special; insurance advocacy; counseling; after-school siblings programs; family retreats; and numerous other services for all family members at absolutely no cost.
Joining Chai Lifeline in celebrating this year’s gala theme—Dream. Hope. Inspire.—will be comedian Elon Gold, who will also serve as the MC for the event, and music sensation Shulem Lemmer.
For their selfless dedication to improving the lives of Chai Lifeline children and for their stalwart support, Chaya Rivka and Mayer Fischl will serve as guests of honor. The Fischls have been actively involved with Chai Lifeline for nearly a decade, having routinely hosted a variety of events and programs at their home. They have built their lives around Chai Lifeline, even going so far as to construct their house to accommodate Chai Lifeline children with all types of disabilities, as well as their families. The establishment of The Fischl Initiative: Creating a Better Future will be announced at the gala.
The gala will also honor Dr. Charles Schleien, executive director for the Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Schleien has long partnered with Chai Lifeline to offer world-class medical care to Chai Lifeline children and families and is at the vanguard of pediatric medical research and treatment. For his service and devotion to Chai Lifeline, Dr.Schleien will receive the Maimonides Medical Achievement Award.
Camp Simcha alumni Dr. Cheryl and Yitzy Book and Nicole Lieberman will receive the Camp Simcha Appreciation Award. Cheryl has been connected to Chai Lifeline since her days as a Camp Simcha counselor and division head. After spending years as a volunteer, she officially joined the Chai Lifeline staff, where she currently serves as director of clinical and family services. Her husband, Yitzy, is also a longtime supporter of Chai Lifeline and is a regular at Chai Lifeline events, including the Purim Carnival, Chanukah Gala and the annual retreats, and often delivers meals to Chai Lifeline families. Nicole initially became involved with Camp Simcha when she volunteered seven years ago to work as a specialist. Since then, she has continued her involvement with Chai Lifeline as a respite volunteer, working in hospitals around New York City, and remains active in Chai Lifeline Alumni events.
“Chai Lifeline gives children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses permission to dream again, and the freedom to hope for a better future,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, chief executive officer of Chai Lifeline. “In return, these children inspire all of us to do more, and to toil that much harder on their behalf to help them realize their dreams. Our work would not be possible without the unwavering commitment of our distinguished honorees, and I thank each of them for being partners with Chai Lifeline.”
To reserve a seat or table, place a journal ad or learn more about the Chai Lifeline Gala, visit www.chaidinner.org.�
