North Shore, Chicago women raise $126,000 to support disadvantaged students
ORT's history of being the Jewish organization meeting the world's educational needs since 1880 of education continues to impact the world today. On Sunday, April 17, Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood was the venue for ORT's annual book and author event. Featuring authors Mary Morris (The Jazz Palace) and Rebecca Makkai (The Hundred-Year House), the event raised $126,000 for ORT's Youth Villages in Israel.
The Youth Villages provide at-risk students with a state-of-the-art educational experience including up-to-date equipment and work stations, science apparatus and materials necessary for the study tracks being taught in science labs, while also meeting their emotional needs and providing essentials like meals, dental care, and school supplies.
The afternoon began with a reception and book signing, as guests viewed an array of themed raffle packages, including a White Sox game party for 16 in a Diamond Suite at U.S. Ceullular Field., an overnight stay at the Wit Hotel, Luggage, fifth row Cubs tickets, spa services, tennis lessons, restaurant dinners and a diamond chip necklace.
Event co-chairs Roberta Goodman and Julie Isaacson, both from Highland Park introduced their Next Gen co-chair Melissa Halperin, also from Highland Park. The Region has been growing its Suburban Next Gen by reaching out to a new donor base in their 30's and 40's living in the suburbs.
Ellen Doppelt, Region President, from Highland Park, introduced this year's campaign video featuring students in the Israeli Youth Villages. Ellen's moving speech illustrated how important ORT is to the periphery of Israel, providing students in these Villages with an education and home environment that will help them become working members of the Israeli society.
Following a gourmet lunch, of salmon, Israeli couscous, grilled vegetables with a unique and delicious de-constructed carrot cake, authors Mary Morris and Rebecca Makkai shared glimpses of their paths in writing their novels. Moderator Judy Levin, from Riverwoods, hosted a new question and answer segment where the authors responded to her questions about writing styles and ideas for their novels.
Founded in 1880 in Russia to teach job skills to impoverished Jews who were barred from most schools, trades and professions, ORT today funds schools and educational programs serving more than 300,000 students in America, Israel, and many other countries. Educating students of all faiths and backgrounds for productive careers, ORT also works to build Jewish identity by offering classes in Hebrew and Jewish history and culture.
Executive Vice President, Diane Weil, of Highland Park, along with raffle co-chairs, Susie Rodriguez of Buffalo Grove, and Susan Dorn of Highland Park and Merle Benjoya of Long Grove announced the winners of this year's raffle.