(Courtesy of JCCOTP) For the past 21 years, JCC family and friends have come together on a perfect summer day to take part in the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades’ Play Fore! the Kids Golf, Tennis and Games Outing. This full-day event raises vital funds for children with disabilities, allowing the JCC to offer a wide range of meaningful programs and services that help them reach their highest potential.
The event was held at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine, New Jersey, on Monday, August 2, where participants enjoyed beautiful weather on the course and courts, a fabulous afternoon of canasta and mah-jongg—followed by cocktails, dinner and outstanding auctions. With items that included dream golf experiences and sporting events such as MLB 2021 World Series tickets, participants enjoyed a fun-filled night of bidding and more. All proceeds raised support children with disabilities, who come to the JCC each year to gain important life skills, attend summer camps, and participate in educational and recreational programs that enhance their quality of life.
“I believe that the programs we gather to support at Play Fore! the Kids are among the most important offered by our JCC: those that serve children with special needs, and their families and caregivers. For the past year our dedicated staff reached this population, many of whom were high risk and not able to be on site, by holding online group classes with adapted curricula, directing one-to-one outreach to individuals and providing resources and guidance for parents and caregivers as they navigated uncharted territory,” explained JCC board chair Steven Rogers. “We are incredibly focused and passionate about helping our community recover from the social isolation and life changes that have been necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are always grateful for the generosity of our community. It was amazing to see the hands go up during our reverse auction, where people can donate directly to provide children with critical services to help them thrive and reach their full potential.”
The JCC is still accepting donations to help children with disabilities participate in the JCC’s programs. Donations can be made by visiting www.jccotp.org/playforethekids or contacting Fran Koszer at 201-408-1404 or [email protected].
We invite the community to join us next year for our Play Fore! the Kids 2022 event on Monday, August 1, to make a difference in the life of a child.
The JCC extends special thanks to presenting sponsors the Hechler family, The Kaplen Foundation and the Kurtz and Spadaccini families.
2021 Golf Co-Chairs
Incoming 2022 Golf Co-Chairs: Noah Garden, Mark Goldstein and Jillian Somberg
Games & Tennis Co-Chairs: Jenna Gutmann and Jillian Somberg
Auction Committee: Co-Chairs Dana Goldstein and Lindsay Till and Committee Members Stephanie Abramow, Danielle Beer, Samantha Cantor, Jessica Chodos, Meghan Cutler, Cortney Drumheller, Candice Flax, Lindsay Fries, Alana Hurewitz, Jennifer Peykar, Jacqueline Pollack, Alison Sheeley and Rachael Wexler
Founding Co-Chairs: Michael Kollender, JoJo Rubach and Barry Zeller
