Fundraising event benefits daycare centers, alternative high schools and social service programs.
It was a beautiful spring morning as the Western Area of NA’AMAT USA hosted its first 5K Walk June 4th at Lake Balboa Park in Encino. Dozens of people, ranging in age from babies in strollers on up, walked three times around scenic Lake Balboa to complete the 3.1-mile course. Many wore blue tee shirts with the NA’AMAT logo.
The aim of the event was to raise money for NA’AMAT educational and social service programs in Israel. The organization operates hundreds of daycare centers for disadvantaged children, as well as high schools for at-risk youth; college scholarship programs; and women’s health, social and legal aid centers.
Esther Friedberg and Linda Rice Kavalsky, co-chairs of the event, spoke to the crowd about the 90-year-old organization and its enduring support for women, children and families in Israel. Others involved in staging the event included Susan Miller, Stacy Rubin, Rene Peters, Renee Algazy, Cipy Baron, Roz Porton and Esther Shapiro. Participants received goody bags stuffed with gifts from event sponsors Westfield Fashion Square, Trader Joe’s, Milani Cosmetics and Dr. Kristi Crispin of Esthetic Professionals.
“It was a perfect day full of camaraderie and good feelings,” says Friedberg. “We were very pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm for NA’AMAT. We’re committed to making it an annual event.”
