Sign up for our Newsletter
|
The 17th Annual Banquet was a smashing success, as Etta celebrated Children's Champion Awardee Elaine Hall and Youth Leadership Awardees Avi Pinsky, David Statman, and Tamar Benzaquen. 17th Annual Etta Israel Center Gala Banquet Video
Children's Champion Awardee: Elaine Hall Elaine Hall is a leader in the field of autism and an outstanding human being, coach, mentor, and mom -- a true Children's Champion. Elaine adopted her now teenage son Neal from Russia when he was two years old. At age three, he was diagnosed with severe autism. Refusing the entreaties of family and friends to "send him back," Elaine sought creative ways to reach Neal. Her love and conviction worked wonders -- and not only for Neal. Elaine innovated the groundbreaking "Miracle Project," original musical productions created and performed by children with autism
The Etta Israel Center is privileged to have a dedicated group of young volunteers who are integral partners in our programs' success. The Lazare, z”l, and Moselle Hendeles Youth Leadership Award honors select volunteers each year who have exhibited exceptional leadership and passion for youth with special needs. Lazare, z"l, and Moselle Hendeles Youth Leadership Awardees: Avi Pinsky, David Statman, and Tamar BenzaquenAvi Pinsky Avi Pinsky, a graduate of YULA, YU, and current student at USC's Marshall School of Business, started volunteering for Etta as a YULA sophomore in 2001-2002. His warmth and sincerity instantly endearing him to clients and staff alike, Avi continued volunteering for countless Etta programs over the years. Avi was the 2003-2004 YULA-Etta student liaison, and 2007 camp Head Counselor. Avi's selfless work has enriched the lives of so many Etta participants, and inspired us all. We are so proud to present him with the Youth Leadership Award. In June, 2010, Avi was married to Yael and they are living in the Pico-Robertson area of LA. Yael is teaching at Maimonides Academy. David Statman David is a graduate of CSUN, works at Ernst and Young, and is currently studying for his CPA exam. A veteran of five years as a camp counselor and countless Shabbatonim, David says: "The thing I enjoy most about working with the Etta kids is seeing how much as they care for their friends in Etta Israel." In August 2010, David was married to Annie and they make their home in Valley Village. Annie works at YULA Girls School. Tamar Benzaquen Tamar is currently a freshman at Santa Monica College. She started working at Camp Avraham Moshe in 10th grade as a counselor, ultimately joining the Head Staff team. Tamar also volunteered during the school year at Sunday activities and Shabbatonim, activities she continues today, and as a high school senior acted as the liaison for the YULA girls along with Raina Himmleman. Tamar was on the girls' soccer team, swim team, and backstage theater crew at YULA. She also volunteered at Cedars Sinai Hospital for two years and acted as a group leader at Beth Jacob Congregation, and is an avid guitar player. Tamar looks forward to being involved with Etta for many years to come. |
|
17th Annual Etta Israel Center Gala Banquet
|
(www.themiracleproject.com). The Miracle Project opens the door for children of all abilities to experience the joys of art and performance. "Autism: The Musical," a documentary based on the Miracle Project, won two Emmys in 2008, and Elaine's account of her story,