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Activists Honored
C
ontinuing its tradition of cel-
ebrating the Detroit Jewish com-
munity's outstanding activists,
the Jewish Community Relations Council
presented its 2014 Activist Award to Lois
and U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn
at a special event in their honor at Adat
Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on
June 22.
An extraordinary couple with a rich
and prolific legacy of commitment and
contributions to the Jewish community,
advancing social justice and supporting
Detroit's arts and cultural institutions, Lois
and Avern Cohn were celebrated as two of
Detroit's great treasures.
U.S. Rep. Sander Levin was the eve-
ning's featured speaker, and the Hon. Paul
D. Borman presented the award to the
Cohns. Elaine C. and Eugene Driker, Mary
Ellen and Harold Gurewitz, and Zina and
Michael Kramer served as honorary co-
chairs for the event.
Created in 2001, the Activist award is
given annually to a volunteer who is pas-
sionate about the Detroit Jewish commu-
nity and works to secure the Jewish future
by championing Israel's cause, reaching
out to our diverse neighbors or advocating
Jewish interests.
JCRC Presents 2014 Activist Award to Lois and Avern Cohn.
Activist event keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Sander Levin
congratulates Lois and Avern Cohn.
JCRC President Richard Krugel and JCRC Executive Director
Robert Cohen flank honorees Lois and Avern Cohn.
Activist event Honorary Co-Chairs Eugene and Elaine
C. Driker and Mary Ellen and Harold Gurewitz visit with
WDIV Vice President and General Manager Marla Drutz,
Activist honoree Lois Cohn, Ron Kaplovitz and Florine Mark at
Avern Cohn (center) during the reception.
the pre-glow
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Kicking Cancer
Sports-A-Thon helps children with cancer manage their disease and treatments.
T
he third annual Kids Kicking Cancer Sports-A-
Thon and 5K Walk/Run was held June 19 at the
Sports Club of West Bloomfield and raised more
than $15,000 for the nationally recognized nonprofit orga-
nization.
More than 100 local children and teens raised funds
through pledges to participate in a "sports-a-thon" of
gymnastics, tennis and martial arts. In addition to these
activities, the event featured a family 5k walk/run and a
martial arts demonstration from the inspirational Kids
Kicking Cancer students. Eligible participants won a variety
of prizes, including Detroit Red Wings and Lions tickets,
University of Michigan football tickets and autographed
sports memorabilia.
The event was sponsored by Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt
Heuer & Weiss PC. Jaffe attorney Deborah Rubin coordi-
nated the event in partnership with Kids Kicking Cancer
founder Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg.
"In our third year, this sports-a-thon was our most suc-
cessful yet," said Rubin. "It's an honor and privilege to wit-
ness young kids help and support this organization."
Kids Kicking Cancer was founded in Metro Detroit and
helps children manage the stress and pain of their disease
and treatments through mind-body techniques found in
martial arts, which can heal them physically, spiritually and
emotionally.
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Held at the Sports Club of West
Bloomfield, young kids pledged to
participate in a "sports-a-thon" of
gymnastics, tennis and martial arts.
Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg discussee
Kids Kicking Cancer program before participants
demonstrate their own power, peace and purpose.
22
July 17 • 2014
JN
Kids, participating in the Kids Kicking
Cancer Sports-a-thon and 5k Walk/
Run, showcase breathing techniques
and strategies during a martial arts
demonstration.