Caring Connections Launch: A Fun Lunch That Sparked Joy and Community
RWRN and Ezer for Survivors launch Caring Connections, regular events connecting Holocaust Survivors, volunteers and chaplains and other interested community members. Here’s a recap of our Caring Connections launch event and the beautiful connections it created.
The Launch Event
On September 19th, 2024, we held our inaugural Caring Connections pizza party in Brooklyn – and what a celebration it was! Holocaust survivors, adult children of survivors (2G), and community volunteers came together for an afternoon of connection, joy, and community building.
What Makes Caring Connections Special
Caring Connections brings together volunteers and Holocaust survivors for ongoing relationships, including phone calls, in-person visits, light help with errands, and meaningful companionship. The idea is to bring caring community members into survivors’ everyday lives in authentic, supportive ways.
Event Highlights
Connections Across States: A community member from NY shared concerns about her mother in Florida – an 82-year-old woman caring for her own 105-year-old mother. Within hours, we connected her with a Florida-based volunteer. They met for a beautiful lunch date a week later and continue planning regular meet-ups.
Building Community Networks: The event became a wonderful way for volunteers and community members to meet each other, share resources, and coordinate future support efforts.
Survivor Connections: We know that for Holocaust survivors, building trust takes time. Our pizza party served as a perfect starting point, emphasizing personal connection and genuine care rather than formal programming.
Special Touches: The afternoon featured fun raffles and prizes, delicious food including a lavish buffet from Schwartz Appetizing, Bagels from The Bagel Hole, and desserts from Ostrovitsky bakery. Tables were enhanced by gorgeous floral arrangements donated by The Bouqs. Most importantly, survivors were treated to relaxing hand massages from Gilly’s Organics, and all guests received skincare gifts, because everyone deserves to feel pampered and special.
Inspiring Moments: The event included heartfelt speeches about the importance of community connections and the ongoing mission of supporting survivors with dignity and joy. One highlight was Blankets & Hugs founder (and child Holocaust survivor and mother of Rachel and Rebecca Weingarten) Leah Silber speaking about her own experiences and true joy connecting with old friends and fellow survivors.
Looking Ahead
The laughter, connections, and genuine joy we witnessed at our launch event proved what we’ve always believed: healing happens in community, and every person deserves to feel valued, supported, and celebrated.
Sponsor a Future Caring Connections Event
Help us create more afternoons of joy, connection, and community support.
For $2,500, you can sponsor a complete Caring Connections event, providing:
- Food and refreshments for 30-40 participants
- Transportation assistance for survivors who need it
- Entertainment and activities (music, speakers, special programming)
- Pampering services like hand massages and skincare gifts
- Venue costs and event coordination
Your sponsorship doesn’t just fund an event – it creates lasting connections, reduces isolation, and brings dignity and joy to Holocaust survivors and their families. Every sponsored event has the potential to spark relationships that continue long after the pizza is finished.
Ready to sponsor healing through community? Contact us at 718.218.3672 or [email protected].
To learn more about upcoming Caring Connections events or volunteer opportunities, contact us at 718.218.3672 or [email protected].