Metro

AROUND TOWN

Adina and Aaron Pergament of Huntington Woods

Mona and Mark Jeross of Royal Oak and Richard Simt :.' ot of Farmington Hills

High Stakes Fun

Yad Ezra supporters ante up to fight hunger.

M

ichigan's troubled economy doesn't discriminate;
people of all races, religions and socioeconomic
groups are affected. With that in mind, more than 150
people gathered at Yad Ezra's warehouse in Berkley where more
than 800,000 pounds food, toiletries and household goods are
expected to be distributed to about 1,300 needy Jewish families
this year.
The crowd took part in "Ante Up For Hunger," a fun-filled
annual event featuring Texas Hold'em poker, bingo, a live auc-
tion, prizes, drinks and desserts. Organizers estimate the March
1 fundraiser brought in about $20,000.
"Since January 2007, 81 new families have come to Yad Ezra
for assistance Amy Schlussel of Huntington Woods told the

crowd.
She co-chaired the event with Nancy Kleinfeldt, also of Huntington Woods.
"When you look around this evening and see the nutritious food on the warehouse
shelves, know you are helping purchase that food and provide it to members of your
community," Schlussel said.
For the past several years, the night of gaming has been held at the actual site where
food is stocked and distributed so people can see first-hand where their money goes.

Nancy Kleinfeldt and Amy Schlussel
both of Huntington Woods

Darren Findling of Huntington Woods
and Robb Lippitt of Bloomfield Hills

This year's event included a beginner's poker table, a championship round and a live
auction for prizes like sporting even _ t tickets, jewelry, home improvement, entertainment
and shopping packages.
"This event reminds everyone how vital Yad Ezra's work is:' said Eddie Alterman of
Franklin. "It's a chance to have fun and feel good about it."
"When you hear the stories about local Jewish families who've suffered illness or job
loss and turn to Yad Ezra so they can feed their children, you want to help in any way
possible added Julie Dubin of Huntington Woods. "Knowing your gift is going to your
own neighbors is a powerful feeling:'
Spotted in the crowd were: Debbie and Robb Lippitt of Bloomfield Hills; Lilly and
Howard Jacobson, Jill and Craig Menuck, Lisa and Milton Feldberg, Rachel and
Alan Wolf and Allison and Brad Oleshansky, all of Birmingham; Julie and Brad
Feldman of Farmington Hills; Lauren and Jeff Katz of Oak Park; and Robin and Lee
Trepeck, Barbie and Ira Zaltz, Kathy Topf, Cara and Ira Schlussel, Michael Morse,
Darren Findling, Julie Hoskow, Rebecca and Gil Feldman and Estie and Simcha
Tolwin, all of Huntington Woods. ❑

To donate, make a referral or volunteer, contact Yad Ezra, (248) 548-3663 or

www.yadezra.org .

Keith Loblin of West Bloomfield and Joe
Lash of Huntington Woods

Stu and Tami Carlin of West Bloomfield

March 13 • 2008

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