A Celebration for Cherished Volunteers
Volunteers are the beating heart of LifeTown. This year, 1,821 teens and adults dedicated their time, care and love to bringing a wide range of innovative programming to individuals with special needs. Through their devotion, these dedicated volunteers make LifeTown feel like a second home.
On Wednesday, May 27, 400 people gathered at LifeTown for an uplifting celebration honoring their steadfast commitment to serving the community.
“It’s fabulous to see this incredible number of people together who give their time, energy and resources to make LifeTown happen,” said volunteer Suzanne Grossman.
Volunteers of all ages were recognized, with teens and adults inspiring one another to make the world just a bit brighter by lending a hand, offering a smile, and showing up with genuine care.
“The community here at LifeTown is truly incredible,” said teen volunteer Alyssa Benbassat. “Everyone is welcomed with open arms, no matter if it’s your first day volunteering or if you’ve been here for years. Everyone is willing to help.”
Volunteers were treated to a delicious buffet dinner and an inspiring program that highlighted their tremendous impact on the everyday lives of LifeTown participants. Volunteers guide children, teens and adults with special needs through activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, cooking, sports, Torah Circle, and mornings at the LifeTown Shoppes. Through these shared experiences, volunteers and participants form true friendships.
Teen volunteer Jake Warter spoke about the unique bond he shares with his buddy, Jacob.
“I’ve been with my buddy, Jacob, at LifeTown for nearly four years,” said Warter. “I’ve spent countless Sunday mornings at Torah Circle and many summers at camp with him. We’ve developed a very special relationship. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.”
Rabbi Levi Grossbaum, Director of Operations at Friendship Circle and LifeTown, reflected on the priceless gift volunteers give each time they come to LifeTown.
“Time is the only thing in this world that cannot be manufactured,” Rabbi Grossbaum said. “Every other resource can be made or earned. Time can only be given. You didn’t give your leftover time, you gave real time, making your buddy the only thing that mattered.”
This year alone, volunteers contributed more than 25,000 hours of service.
The highlight of the program was the Molly Greenwald Lectureship, this year featuring a candid conversation between social media influencer Zach Sage Fox, and his brother, Fletcher Fox. Fletcher, who is on the autism spectrum, spoke openly about his experience, offering volunteers insight into the way their actions positively affect individuals with special needs.
“A true friend is someone who shows up for you,” said Fletcher. “Everyone needs support. People with autism need to be made to feel equal to others.”
LifeTown volunteers help create an environment of acceptance through their presence, openness, and attention.
“There’s something especially meaningful about the presence of all the adults who volunteer,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown. “You bring patience, warmth, and life’s experience. You help create the feeling that people notice the moment they arrive here.”
Friendship Circle honored the volunteers with the Rita and Jerry Waldor Fellowship Award, named in memory of Rita and Jerry Waldor, two dedicated volunteers who left a lasting impact at LifeTown.
“There are so many ways to give,” said Grossbaum. “The deepest form of giving is when a person gives of themselves. That is the legacy that Rita and Jerry left. That is the legacy continued by the adult volunteers in this room.”
The Circle of Impact Award was presented to volunteers who dedicated over 50 hours to LifeTown. Even more impressive was the recognition given to volunteers who spent over 150 hours at LifeTown. They received a t-shirt that read, “I Live at LifeTown!” Among them was June Schechner, who was recognized for 20 years of dedication to Friendship Circle and LifeTown.
“I feel so blessed to have volunteered at Friendship Circle for 20 years for so many reasons, but mostly because giving back fulfills my purpose in life,” said Schechner. “I love the participants, volunteers, staff, and everyone who comes to LifeTown. This is a true blessing from Hashem, to see and accept everyone.”
The evening concluded with raffle prizes and beautiful gift bags. Volunteers walked away with an even deeper sense of purpose and excitement about the year ahead at LifeTown.
