Filled with more than 750 local family members and their strollers, the Hackensack location of Urban Air resembled an oversized beehive on Sunday morning, January 8. Hardly a square foot of space was unoccupied as kids and adults alike moved between the numerous activity sites, bouncing, climbing, rappelling, swinging, sliding and slam-dunking their way from one area to another. The sounds of laughter and music filled the air. Those who wanted some respite from the buzz of fun could duck into Project Ezrah’s refreshment room for a snack, a drink or some table craft or tzedaka projects.
Dani Secemski, Project Ezrah board member and chair or the Young Leadership Council, also enjoyed time with his family at the event. He said that one of his favorite parts about the event was, “We were able to bring smiles to families from all our different Bergen County communities, towns, schools and shuls for the common goal of supporting Project Ezrah and learning about the amazing work that they do.” As a board member, Secemski commented that he is passionate about Project Ezrah because, “They are an organization that helps people in the most dignified and discreet way. You will never know if a neighbor, friend or even a family member is benefiting from Project Ezrah’s resources.”
Tziporah Koslowsky, Young Leadership council member, shared her thoughts as well: “After learning about what Project Ezrah does and how important it is for our community, I had to tell all my friends about it! I joined the Young Leadership Council to help with outreach. It was fun to see friends of mine from all different areas of Bergen County all coming together to help this worthy cause, while having a great time at Urban Air! I joined the young leadership council to give back to the community that I grew up in!”
Rachel Krich, executive director, Project Ezrah told us, “This is the second year that the young leadership council hosted this event. Last year 400 people attended. This year, the sign-up showed that over 750 people turned out! Throughout the morning families came with their children, enjoyed the attractions at Urban Air, snacks, Icee’s, and made tzedaka boxes. We were also honored to have Rabbi Yehuda Halpert, rabbi of Congregation Ahavat Shalom, join us to give a d’var Torah and talk to the group about Project Ezrah’s central role in our community. The event was ‘pay what you wish,’ so no one knew how much anyone else paid to come, or even if they did. Our goal by doing this was to make sure that we had a communal activity with a level playing field. Project Ezrah is grateful to a group of anonymous sponsors who, by their generosity, allowed us to make it free for the community.”
In closing, Krich commented, “The feedback was incredible! Everyone had so much fun and the sense of achdus was amazing!”
By Ellie Wolf
