(Courtesy of Chai Lifeline) Chai Lifeline promised supporters an evening to dream, hope, and be inspired at its 2018 Annual Gala on Monday, November 19, and it delivered! The close to 1,100 people in attendance at the gala, held at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, were treated to an event filled with smiles, tears, and celebration.

Master of Ceremonies and comedian Elon Gold had the crowd laughing uproariously with his comedy routine, followed by award presentations to gala honorees, Dr. Charles Schleien, who received the Maimonides Medical Achievement Award for his service and devotion to Chai Lifeline; and Camp Simcha alumni, Dr. Cheryl and Yitzy Book and Nicole Lieberman, who accepted the Camp Simcha Appreciation Award.

One of the evening’s highlights was a stirring musical performance by Shulem Lemmer, who sang “A Million Dreams” alongside Camp Simcha special camper Dovid Hill. Brought to tears, the audience gave Shulem and Dovid a round of sustained applause at the song’s conclusion.

Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline chief executive officer, paid tribute to Guests of Honor Mayer and Chaya Rivka Fischl, who announced the establishment of The Fischl Initiative: Creating a Better Future at the gala.

“The message of Chai Lifeline is the message of hope,” Rabbi Scholar said in his address to the audience. “We are going to keep on building and helping because building and helping is what our community is all about.”

Following the gala, hundreds of Chai Lifeline alumni turned out to celebrate and show their support at a special after-party event. The after-party is held each year as a tribute to Chai Lifeline alumni for their years of dedication and hard work on behalf of Chai Lifeline families.

Chai Lifeline is the international children’s health support network, providing emotional, social, and financial support to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families. To learn more about Chai Lifeline and its services, please visit www.chailifeline.org.