The Best You Can Be Foundation's Holiday for Hope is a Huge Success
1,250 presents
95 inner city children received between 7-10 presents each
47 mom's received gift bags with relaxation CD's, gift cards and motivational books
The neediest children in our community said this was the best day of their lives
Moms crying tears of gratitude watching their children have so much fun
A traumatized 8 year-old girl was laughing and playing after not smiling for two years
An abused 5 year old who had not allowed anyone to touch him hugged and cuddled with Santa
Social workers from Children' Home Society in amazement at the level of joy these children experienced, children whose lives are usually filled with despair and poverty
Special thank you to the
50 volunteers for the party and 40 more for the gift wrapping
Temple Beth Emet's Men's Club for Your Incredible Work
Temple Beth Emet's RSVIP, Youth Group and PTO for Donation of Gifts,
The Sagemont Upper School for providing volunteers and donating gifts
Organizing Committee for the Extraordinary Efforts: Donna Ruhl, Lori Salz, Skip Straus, Carmen Merlino
Jay Nemes, Zohar Casden, Sheryl Reback, Minna Mandel, and Joan Rubenstein
Incredible gratitude for our amazing sponsors who donated their time and services
Temple Beth Emet
Billy the Marlin-The Florida Marlins Community Foundation
Stanley Panther-The Florida Panthers
James Canfield Magic
Jeff Greene and Party-time DJ's
Robert Haydu-Southern Wine and Spirits
Allen Zaffos-Brooklyn Bagels
Charles Cutler-Dunkin Doughnuts
Cripsrs Salad
Kati Bradley-Kati's Shining Stars
Oopsy the Clown
Advance Publishing
Milam's Market
Amy Kahn Photography
Carmen Rossi Merlino-Fixed Star Media Arts PR agency
Jack Zaffos Staring as Santa Clause
Finally, a special thank you to Rabbi Greenspon for having such an open mind and a giving heart.
To everyone who was a part of turning a dream into a reality, thank you for helping each of these very needy families feel special and experience extraordinary joy. Together we truly made a difference in the lives of so many.
