Local women play mah jong to raise funds for NA'AMAT USA

The Aviva Club of NA'AMAT USA held a mah jong tournament chaired by Janet Reicher on Sunday, Oct. 24 that was attended by 90 people. Most participants came from the north and northwest suburbs to play this game that some people find addicting, some find relaxing, and others find challenging or sociable. The event, held at The Arboretum in Buffalo Grove, raised money to support women and children in Israel. NA'AMAT — through its sister organization in Israel — provides a broad range of social services, from day care centers to domestic violence shelters; from legal aid to alternative high schools. NA'AMAT has services and facilities in communities throughout the country. The mah jong tournament and wonderful raffle prizes donated by area businesses raised over $3,000 to support this worthy cause.

The first- and second-place winners won prizes that anyone there would have loved to get. The first place prize, won by Pamela Brenghause, with a score of 240 after 8 hands, was from Le Titi de Paris Restaurant worth $120. The second place winner was Toby Kriss, who won $50 gift certificate from Philly G's in Lincolnshire. Both exclaimed how happy they were to win these fabulous prizes, but how they never expected to win. A prize of a handmade, quilted holiday table runner and stationary for the last place player was also awarded.

NA'AMAT was formerly called Pioneer Women when it was established over 85 years ago. For more specifics on local area chapters of NA'AMAT, contact the NA'AMAT Council office at (847) 675-7275 or naamatchgo@aol.com. The website for general information about the work of the organization is www.naamat.org.