ESRA's annual major fundraiser took place on January 3. It proved to be one of ESRA's most successful events both from a fundraising point of view as well as being an evening of outstanding entertainment. The Herzliya Performing Art Center was filled to capacity with some 800 attendees with 50 plus disappointed others on the waiting list for tickets! All proceeds are going to support our wonderful projects based on creating a better tomorrow for those youngsters who need our help most of all.
It was impossible not to be moved by the words of Tzlil Maimon, a student who is part of ESRA's flagship project "Students Build a Community", as she shared her moving personal story with us (please read it on page?).
The combination of Dudu Fisher, Colin Schachat and the Raanana Symphonetta Orchestra, under the baton of dynamic conductor/pianist Tomer Addadi, proved to be a recipe for an evening of pure delight. Dudu Fisher opened the show. His ability to move with ease from the liturgical music of our prayers, as well as songs in Yiddish, to the music from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera left his audience spellbound.
Colin Schachat's beautiful baritone voice embraced a range of songs from an Irish Ballad – that he dedicated to Richard Stein (past chair of ESRA who was responsible for bringing this amazing show to ESRA) – to Frank Sinatra favorites. Both singers came together to conclude with a musical crescendo that totally captivated the audience.
What could be better than experiencing the sheer joy of magnificent voices together with the realization that the funds raised will make a difference to those youngsters benefiting from ESRA's projects.
ESRA's deep appreciation goes to the event's sponsors and all who contributed towards a night to remember.
- Marcelle & Eric Cohen
- Rena & Richard Stein
- Davis Family Charitable Foundation
- Ruth & Harvey Cohen
- Bank Igud
- Adele & Michael Hunter
- Shirley & Larry Lowenthal