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JUNE 13, 2019 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Gesher’s Second Annual Dinner Draws Hundreds
H
undreds of guests came out last Tuesday evening to celebrate the Gesher Early Childhood Center’s seven years of leadership in education. This year’s dinner was held at the newly renovated ballroom of Congregation Ohr Torah in North Woodmere. The inviting buffet, presented by Oasis Catering, made for an enjoyable reception for the many guests. Mr. Eric Austein, a Gesher grandparent, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He opened by expressing his personal appreciation for the Gesher program and by describing the pedagogical mantra of the Gesher administration to individualize the learning process for each and every child. Before calling on the honorees to receive their awards, a special gift was presented to Gesher grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Basil and Sherri Herring. Journal chairman and current Gesher parent Isaac Zafir represented the parent body in expressing appreciation to the Herring Family for the establishment of the Gesher Grandparents Dividend Fund. Consistent with the messages shared in the video segment, Mr. Zafir pointed out that the creation of the fund is the visionary confluence of Rabbi and Mrs. Herring’s care and concern for Klal Yisroel together with their love and dedication to their family. The program continued with the presentation of the Kesser Shem Tov award to Ilan and Haviva Kranz. The Kranzes are well regarded in their community for their good nature and selfless devotion to other. Themselves former Gesher parents, they
see firsthand how important Gesher is for the children in our neighborhoods. Mrs. Kranz has remained professionally connected to Gesher through her practice as a speech pathologist and her social awareness programing. As noted in the award video, her vital work has changed the lives of many children and their families. Dr. Oscar Kranz proudly presented the award to his children. The program continued with the recognition of the Guests of Honor, Ari and Chanie Friedman. They were met with a resounding greeting from their family and friends, indicative of the high esteem in which they are held. As current Gesher parents, the Friedmans are keenly aware of the need to ensure Gesher’s place in the community. The specificity of their appreciation of Gesher’s programming was evident in their video segment. Mrs. Friedman referenced Gesher’s teaming and focus on educating the whole child, and Mr. Friedman described the importance of the successful transition. Mr. Mayer Friedman enthusiastically presented his children with their award and added his reflections about his personal pride in his family and his appreciation of Gesher. The program closed with a message about leadership and a feature video depicting Gesher’s focus on educational leadership. Gesher expresses its appreciation to the Herring, Kranz, and Friedman families for making the dinner campaign a success. Special thank you to Mr. Eric Austein for representing the Gesher family.
Dr. Oscar Kranz with Rabbi and Mrs. Bodner and Mr. Eric Austein presenting the Kesser Shem Tov Award to Ilan and Haviva Kranz
Mr. Mayer Friedman with Rabbi and Mrs. Bodner and Mr. Eric Austein presenting the Guest of Honor Award to Ari and Chanie Friedman
Mr. Isaac Zafir together with Rabbi and Mrs. Bodner presenting a special gift to Rabbi and Mrs. Herring
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