Metro

Guys Night Out guests mingle at Knollwood Country Club.

Guys Night Out

Fundraiser aids Israeli soldiers and families of the fallen.

Ariana Segal

Special to the Jewish News

M

ore than 350 guys attended
the Michigan Friends of the
Israel Defense Forces' Guys
Night Out at Knollwood Country Club
in West Bloomfield.
The annual entertainment event sup-
ports Israeli soldiers and the organiza-
tion dedicated to their wellbeing.
"Our sensitivity to the economic
downturn, expressed by a reduction of
the ticket price by half, helped allow
many people experiencing financial
difficulties to still participate in such
an exciting and worthwhile event," said
Dr. Ron Lederman, event co-chair.
Guests enjoyed a casino-style Texas
Hold'em Tournament, cigar lounge,
vodka bar and neck and shoulder mas-
sage as well as comedian Steve Brewer's
edgy "Raising a Little Hell" show.
Mojo of 95.5 Radio's "Mojo in the
Morning" was master of ceremonies.
"Not a day goes by where I don't hear
of the buzz created by our event and
appreciation for what we are able to
accomplish as a result of this unique
fundraising experience," Lederman
said. "This was my first year in getting

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June 11 2009

involved and I get so much gratifi-
cation knowing what a success the
evening was, even in these tough eco-
nomic times."
Mark Orechkin, also an event co-
chair, said, "My life has truly changed
since I went on the FIDF mission to
Israel in 2007. It opened up my eyes
to what is needed to help these young
soldiers."
Added Lederman, "To see the total
commitment in these young soldiers'
eyes and the expectation of nothing
in return, except for the security and
safety of their small nation, would turn
anyone into an ardent supporter of the
FIDF."
Rick Kovacs, a Michigan Friends of
the Israel Defense Forces executive board
member, founded the event in 2007.
"Every year, he puts his heart into
making it even more exciting and
amazing than the year before," said
Tamir Oppenheim, executive director
of the FIDF Michigan chapter.
FIDF initiates and helps support
social, educational, cultural and recre-
ation programs and facilities for Israeli
soldiers. FIDF also provides support
for the families of soldiers who have
fallen in defense of Israel.

❑

Right: Billy

Berris and Ron

Radner, both of

West Bloomfield,

with Larry

Becker of Keego

Harbor

Left: Mark

Orechkin of

Bloomfield

Hills with Rick

Kovacs and Dr.

Ron Lederman,

both of West

Bloomfield

