Havinagala Raises Big for PAL, JF&CS
The annual fundraiser supports PAL -- Atlanta's only Jewish "Big Brother/Big Sister" program.
Sasha Heller is the Web Editor and Copy Editor for the Atlanta Jewish Times
The stars were shining outside and inside the Illuminarium on Jan. 27 for Havinagala, the JF&CS annual fundraiser for PAL — Atlanta’s only Jewish “Big Brother/Big Sister” program.
Set against a 3-D projected backdrop of the glittering cosmos, astrological illustrations, and falling cherry blossom leaves, Havinagala raised approximately $100,000 for PAL, which is a volunteer program of Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta.
The event, which attracted more than 450 young Jewish Atlanta professionals, served a two-fold purpose, organizers said: to raise funds to support PAL and to nurture a sense of philanthropy in the next generation of Atlanta’s Jewish community leaders.
“I’m a pediatric nurse, so I know how important it is for these kids to have role models in their lives,” said event co-chair Brooke Berman. “So, for me, I just really connected with this charity.”
Fellow event co-chair, Emma Rinzler, echoed Berman’s sentiments and emphasized unity during a time of rising antisemitism and global conflicts.
“As someone who grew up in the Atlanta Jewish community, I always knew the importance of getting involved at a young age. When I attended Havinagala last year, I thought that it would be the perfect event to jumpstart my involvement. Not only is the event geared towards a younger generation, but it also supports a cause that I’m passionate about,” Rinzler said.
Before the main event officially kicked off, a VIP party was held to recognize the evening’s donors and to celebrate standout PAL volunteer Nate Rubin, who received the Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year Award.
“It means the world to receive the award,” Rubin said. “The program provides an incredible platform to help improve children’s and families’ lives, and it is an honor to be recognized.”
Rubin, who has been volunteering with PAL for seven years, said he and his match have regularly attended performances at The Fox Theatre, and gone to Atlanta Braves games, bowling events, Top Golf, to the movies, and much more.
Two-time Big PAL, Jordan Enoch, was also on hand to celebrate the program and its impact in the community. When asked about what it means to be a part of PAL, Enoch said, “I enjoy the PAL program because it allows me the ability to make a direct and long-lasting difference in somebody’s life, and the fact that you can do that for someone who shares your Jewish background is an added bonus. With PAL, you can make a real difference in a child’s life while also having a ton of fun.”
Enoch joined the PAL program in 2014 and was first matched with Little PAL, Zev, who was 12 at the time and had recently lost his father. Through PAL, Enoch and Zev enjoyed going to comic bookstores, attending Braves games and various festivals, sampling new cuisines, hiking, and watching old movies. Zev exited the PAL program at 18 and is currently a junior at Boston University and keeps in regular contact with his Big PAL.
Enoch is now volunteering with Lucas, 9, whose mother is single by choice and wanted Lucas to have a positive role model in his life. Lucas also has a twin brother who has his own Big PAL. Enoch said he and Lucas like going to Atlanta United and Braves games, escaping corn mazes, and visiting Fernbank, Zoo Atlanta, and the Georgia Aquarium.
Through volunteering with their Little PALS, Enoch said Big PALS “really get to see this person grow.”
And according to Rinzler, it’s not just the Little PALS who grow through the program. “I think that the amazing part of the PAL program is that it’s not a one-time thing. Individuals who become involved in the PAL program are involved for many years in the future,” Rinzler said. “It’s amazing to see that the PAL program not only has a positive impact on the Little PALS, but also on the Big PALS and volunteers as well. In some cases, the impact on the Big PALS is larger than on the Little PALS.”
The party, which featured a silent auction with all proceeds going to support the program, also served for many as an introduction to philanthropy in Jewish Atlanta.
Rinzler said, “Havinagala really is the only Jewish young professionals’ event of its kind. For many, it is the first charity event that they have attended. I think the impact of introducing the younger generation to the world of giving back in a way that they can relate to cannot be understated and Havinagala provides the perfect platform for this.”
Havinagala really is the only Jewish young professionals’ event of its kind. For many, it is the first charity event that they have attended. I think the impact of introducing the younger generation to the world of giving back in a way that they can relate to cannot be understated and Havinagala provides the perfect platform for this.
Berman added that, for her peers who are early in their careers, Havinagala “blends philanthropy for a cause that easily resonates with young adults and provides a way for young Jewish professionals to connect with others and start building the next generation of Jewish Atlanta leaders.”
PAL is Atlanta’s only Jewish “Big Brother/Big Sister” program for children ages 5-17, who are being raised in a variety of family situations—often by single parents, grandparents, legal guardians, or they may have siblings with developmental disabilities.
“While we match Little PALS between ages 5-17, we have seen the lasting impact of this program through those who have grown with the program and aged out,” said Sarah Bernstein, PAL & Young Professional Manager. “These lasting bonds provide lifelong friends and mentors and fulfill the lives of both the Little and Big PALS.”
PAL program staff match Big and Little PALS based on a thorough screening process that considers availability, geography, family dynamics, and shared interests. Big PALS are required to provide personal references and submit to a rigorous background and security check. At sign-up, all participants commit to the program for a minimum of one year.
To get involved with the PAL Program, please visit https://volunteer.jfcsatl.org/opportunities/TtGeX7pRe4.
For more information about volunteering with JF&CS, please visit https://jfcsatl.org/volunteer.
comments