Let The Games Begin! 

Imagine a room of nearly 260 women playing games. From Canasta to Mahjong and beyond, the clicking of tiles, shuffling of cards and excited chatter filled the room.

This well-attended highly anticipated fundraising gathering celebrated its 14th annual Auxiliary Game Day benefitting The William Breman Jewish Home, a part of Jewish HomeLife. Held yearly at Temple Sinai, this year the date was originally Monday, Jan. 26, but due to Mother Nature and icy weather, it was rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 24. Nothing kept this dedicated crowd from returning when the weather allowed weeks later.

Laughter, friendly competition, and a powerful sense of shared purpose and connection created a winning hand for all who attended.

Many of the game-loving supporters have been playing as a group for decades, while others have recently caught the game-playing spirit. This Mahjong and Canasta event was clearly an icebreaker with décor, treats, lunch and more, welcoming guests, games, and closely knitted groups of friends. As each group settled in at tables of four or five to play Mahjong or Canasta, it was clear by the smiles that these game-playing women were also deeply woven into Jewish communal tradition. Players without games made new friends and the fun began.

Tables were lined with assorted delicious lunches from Café at Pharr and the ladies paused to eat during their various breaks during this four-hour marathon. Not to be missed was the super-sweet-spread, massive dessert bar that presented a mouth-watering array of sumptuous treats, generously provided by past Auxiliary presidents, Nancy Baron and Sherry Habif, bakers extraordinaire. Their sweets and snacks covered the buffet, adding an extra touch of warmth and delicious unparalleled hospitality to the well-appointed afternoon.

Dedicated supporter Steve Berman, past president of the Jewish HomeLife Board, showed his ongoing support and led the Hamotzi. Candy and Steve Berman have generously sponsored the Game Day venue for many years and remain deeply valued members of the Auxiliary family.

For many attendees, Game Day is more than a fundraiser, it is a tradition rooted in memory and meaning. The event was led by Vice Co-Chairs of Special Events, Bonnie Kwatnez and Suzy Engelhard, whose months of thoughtful planning ensured a seamless and successful afternoon, working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers.

“It takes months of planning and a true team effort to make Game Day happen,” Kwatnez shared. “From coordinating players and tables to organizing raffles and vendors, everyone pitches in. Seeing nearly 260 women come together, reconnect, and support The William Breman Jewish Home makes every detail worth it.”

Past Auxiliary Chair Jody Goldstein has attended every Game Day and said, “I learned to play Mahjong and Canasta at The Jewish Home. Both my mother and grandmother lived there, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I’m incredibly proud of The Auxiliary. I look forward to Game Day every year. It’s joyful, meaningful, and it truly brings our community together. The leadership is exceptional, and being in that beautiful room surrounded by friends makes the day even more special.”

Without a doubt, this bonded spirit of continuity and devotion lies at the heart of The Auxiliary’s work. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home includes approximately 1,100 members, and represents a vibrant, multi-generational group of women and men dedicated to enriching the residents’ lives throughout the year.

In addition to its signature Game Day event, The Auxiliary weekly engages the residents and brings joy, activities, and tradition into the William Breman Jewish Home through many experiences. They include Shabbat challah baking, dance parties, friendly visitor book cart visits, animal farm visits, cookie decorating for Veterans Day, mishloach manot for Purim, to countless other meaningful moments creating smiles and comradery.

The Auxiliary’s work carries even deeper significance at a time when many older adults face profound loneliness.  Some residents do not have families nearby while others have outlived spouses and lifelong friends.

Greer Mendel, marketing director of Jewish HomeLife shared, “Supporting our aging community is not simply about providing care, it is about ensuring dignity, belonging, and human connection. Even a stop at The Jean A. Cohen Gift Shop can mean more than just retail therapy. It offers residents a chance to say hello, share a story, and connect. Through their consistent presence and programming, The Auxiliary transforms ordinary days into shared experiences filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition.”

The Auxiliary incoming Co-Chair Cheryl Schwartz praised the Board and volunteers at Game Day who quickly mobilized after an unexpected Atlanta snow day forced the event to be postponed. “We had to cancel and reschedule due to weather, a first for such a large event,” Schwartz said. “We are grateful to offer a rain date and worked very hard to personally reach participants and table hostesses to ensure everything ran smoothly. We have a great team.”

Auxiliary Co-Chair Mindi Sard said, “Beyond the fun and friendly competition, this event shines a light on the important work of The Auxiliary. We are grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone who participates.”

Elizabeth Glass added, “As an incoming co-chair of The Auxiliary, it’s incredibly meaningful to see generations of women show up year after year. Game Day is about more than cards — it’s about connection, friendship, and supporting the residents who call The William Breman Jewish Home their home. The energy in the room was truly special.”

For four decades, The Auxiliary has played a vital role in enhancing quality of life for residents of The William Breman Jewish Home. Events like Game Day continue that legacy, blending philanthropy with friendship in a way that feels spiritually communal. As cards were shuffled and tiles were drawn, one thing was clear: Game Day remains a cherished Atlanta tradition rooted in heart, history, and the enduring power of women coming together to support those who paved the way for our community.