Volunteers Honored at Annual Celebration
It takes a dedicated team of over 1,500 volunteers to create the magic of LifeTown. On Thursday, May 29, teen and adult volunteers were treated to a festive celebration recognizing their indispensable contributions to Friendship Circle.
“It’s amazing to volunteer here,” said 12-year-old, Carmel Borochov. “We know how much it helps.”
“I love seeing the kids’ faces when they get their nails done or when they buy ice cream,” said Borochov’s 13-year-old sister, Alma. “It’s fulfilling. Looking around you can definitely see we’re part of something bigger.”
This year alone, volunteers gave tens of thousands of hours to help run daily programs and ensure that more than 10,000 schoolchildren experienced hands-on learning, socializing and fun at the LifeTown Shoppes. In total, over 35,000 visitors were guided by caring volunteers through the doors of LifeTown. The center’s innovative programming makes a profound difference each and every day.
“It’s a wonderful program and it makes me happy to be here,” said adult volunteer Lori Neumann. “I’m happier when I leave here than when I arrived. It gives me so much joy.”
To kick off the evening, Rabbi Levi Grossbaum addressed the crowd and instructed all the volunteers to turn on the LED bracelets they received upon entry. The entire room was illuminated in multicolor light – a stunning visual to remind all of their unique contributions.
“You light up LifeTown but you really light up the community,” said Rabbi Levi Grossbaum. “Not with bracelets but with love and pure joy, week after week. You show up with patience, with heart, and with a willingness to give. You made someone feel like they belong.”
Scott Chesney, a world-renowned motivational speaker and life coach captivated the audience of over 350 people with his story – a highlight of the event. Chesney is no stranger to the power of inspirational words and actions. Chesney has navigated life with paralysis after enduring a sudden spinal stroke at the age of 15.
“I wish I could bottle Friendship Circle and LifeTown and give you to the rest of the world. It’s a powerful force that’s here and it’s because of all of you,” said Chesney. “Everyone in this room is an experience maker. I love the momentum you’ve created. I want every volunteer to understand just how powerful their efforts are.”
An abundance of love and admiration was felt at LifeTown as the audience heard from teen volunteers about the impact their service has had on their own lives.
“It’s more than just showing up,” said teen volunteer Eden Lebovitch. Her role at LifeTown laid the groundwork for her chosen career path of neuroscience. “It’s creating meaningful bonds in a place where you’re not only helping people but you’re creating memories. It shaped me as a person and my path in life.”
The night concluded with an awards presentation and an exciting raffle for a variety of gorgeous gift baskets.
“There’s an energy watching the friendships that have been created in the streets of LifeTown,” said Friendship Circle and LifeTown CEO Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum. “It’s something so beautiful. Everyone always asks, ‘What’s the secret to the magic at LifeTown?’ The truth is, it’s not magic at all. It’s the heart. It’s the commitment. It’s all of you.”
