SpriingElatIon

Fun event raises $300,000
for kids with special needs.

SHARON LUCKERMAN

Staff Writer

I t was a child's fantasy come true — to
be let loose at GameWorks at Great
Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills.
Adults had fun, too, at the fourth
annual JARC fund-raiser April 21. The
SpringElation event drew its largest turnout
ever, with more than 1,200 participants.
Kids headed for the more than 200 interac-
tive video games as well as activities that
included face-painting and airbrush tattoos.
Food and raffles of sports equipment and
memorabilia were for the "older kids."
The Farmington Hills-based agency made
$300,000 from ticket sales and sponsors, says
former JARC president Norman Wachler.
"It's all about helping children," says Anne
Fleming, JARC communications coordinator.
"Together made a difference in the lives of
children with special needs."
All proceeds went to JARC's Merle and
Shirley Harris Children's Division, which sup-
ports services for 300 families who have chil-
-
dren with special needs.
"This event gives you the feeling you're
helping kids with special needs, while helping
other kids understand what it means to have
special needs," says Steve Rosenthal of
Franklin, co-chair of the event with Craig
Erlich of Birmingham and Jeff Cohen of
West Bloomfield. ❑

Above right:
Ian Haldane, 8, of
Highland contemplates
his next move in the
Wheel of Fortune game.

Right: Gathering tickets,
Carly Rosen, 8, o
West Bloomfield stops
to pose for photo.

Sofie Rosenberg, 4, of Chestnut Hill, Mass.,
braves an airbrush tattoo.

Noah, 3, and Mark Layman of Franklin rev up at
GameWorks for fun andfind-raising.

5/3
2002

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