Another Year, Another Successful Havinagala
The annual fundraiser netted more than $90,000 in support of the PAL Big Brother/Big Sister program.
Sasha Heller is the Web Editor and Copy Editor for the Atlanta Jewish Times
The impact of mentoring cannot be overstated, and Jewish Family & Career Services understands that.
In support of its PAL mentoring program, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister program, JF&CS held its annual fundraiser, Havinagala, on Jan. 25, at The Carlyle Venue. More than 400 young Jewish Atlantans and burgeoning philanthropists gathered to raise more than $90,000, with all proceeds benefiting the PAL program.
“Havinagala is a time treasured event — bringing together hundreds of Jewish young men and women to enjoy an evening of fun, friendship and fellowship,” said JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff. “While the program’s mission is to raise funds for PAL, I admit that the Jewish mom in me just cherishes the hope that our Jewish young people find true love and friendship among each other — I say this as a forever matchmaker.”
Event co-chair Hunter Goldberg, who also serves as a Big PAL to Zev, 12, shared his thoughts about the evening and the importance of volunteering.
“Co-chairing Havinagala was an opportunity for me to give back to JF&CS and support the PAL program, which has brought so much meaning and connection to my life,” Goldberg said. “I care deeply about Atlanta’s Jewish community and want everyone to feel supported and connected, and JF&CS’ mission is to do just that.”
He continued, “I was truly amazed at the energy in the room on Saturday night — the gala brings together the Atlanta Jewish community in such a positive and uplifting way that makes me feel incredibly proud and honored to be involved.”
Highlights of the evening included a silent auction featuring commemorative Taylor Swift and Harry Styles framed vinyl and CD’s, Taylor Swift hand-signed acoustic guitars, all-paid vacations to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Punta Cana or Cancun, and various autographed sports memorabilia, as well as a spirited Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament hosted by the charismatic Rocktioneer, Seth Weiner.
Big PAL Ilissa Paulen Feiler was honored with the 2025 Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year Award for her continued commitment to serving as a mentor to Chelsea, 15, and for her longtime service with the PAL program. Feiler was first matched with Chelsea in 2014. As a young professional, Feiler served on the host committee of Havinagala. Her good friend, Carly Sonenshine, was helming the program at that time and encouraged Feiler to become a Big PAL. Sonenshine knew Chelsea’s mom, Laura, wanted Chelsea to have a Big PAL, and that Feiler would be the perfect match. The rest, as they say, is history.
“PAL is more than a volunteer program,” Feiler said. “It’s a lifelong experience.”
Big PALs are nominated by their Little PAL families and are chosen by Joel Libowsky. Feiler joins past winners Nate Rubin (2024), Sam Perlman (2023), Jason Zutty (2022), Kim Green (2021), and Robert Tinter (2020). Libowsky, the award’s namesake, is a two-time Big PAL and longtime supporter and advocate of the program.
Children growing up in nontraditional family situations — whether in single-parent households, or being raised by grandparents, legal guardians, or siblings — often face unique challenges. These children may lack consistent mentorship or access to resources that help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The PAL program is designed to provide them with the support, guidance, and connection they need to thrive within the Jewish community.
On the surface, Havinagala is an annual fundraiser supporting the PAL program; however, the event also serves as a beacon with the goal of nurturing a sense of philanthropy in the next generation of Atlanta’s Jewish community leaders.
To those considering volunteering with the PAL program, Goldberg shared, “It’s so much fun having a little PAL and something you look forward to every month. You get to do all the things you love doing as a kid and with someone who genuinely enjoys doing them with you. Zev and I like to spend time hanging out at the pool, playing pickleball, basketball, board games, and video games. We shoot Nerf guns at each other, watch Sunday football — sometimes over wings — we’ve even caught a show at the Fox Theatre. I cherish my time with Zev, and I really believe that we’ll become lifelong friends. I say all this to say that you should absolutely get involved!”
To learn more about the PAL program, please visit jfcsatl.org/pal.
comments