Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Held

BROOKLYN
Councilman David Greenfield thanks volunteers from a dozen local organizations for their hard work on behalf of the community throughout the year at his annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Sunday in Boro Park.
Councilman David Greenfield thanks volunteers from a dozen local organizations for their hard work on behalf of the community throughout the year at his annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Sunday in Boro Park.

Sunday night, Motzoei Tzom Gedaliah, a volunteer appreciation dinner, to show recognition to more than 150 volunteers representing a dozen outstanding community organizations, was hosted by Councilman David Greenfield. Volunteers enjoyed a catered dinner at the Boro Park Y, and were inspired by world-renowned motivational speaker Charlie Harary.

Councilman Greenfield introduced Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, State Senator Simcha Felder, State Senator Eric Adams, Assemblyman Bill Colton and Bensonhurst activist Mark Treyger.

The groups recognized at this event included Boro Park Shomrim, Hatzolah of Boro Park, Chaverim, Mekimi, Chesed Shel Emes, Yad Ephraim, Tomche Shabbos, Bikur Cholim of Boro Park, Renewal, Chesed, Dror and Community Board 12.

The event’s main speaker, Charlie Harary, focused on what made the greatest leader the Jewish people ever had, Moshe Rabbeinu, so unique. He explained that Hashem saw in Moshe his concern for every person and even for a single sheep from his herd.

Harary then drew a comparison between Moshe Rabbeinu’s legacy of performing chessed for anyone in need, no matter their status, to the work the volunteers do on behalf of complete strangers, giving of their time and energy to improve the lives of others, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Following Harary’s speech, Greenfield recalled a personal incident. While an adolescent, he was recovering from a broken leg. He was sitting in a wheelchair, with an empty soda cup because he had just finished a soda. A woman dropped money into the cup, mistaking him for a person collecting tzedakah.

Recalling the embarrassment he felt at the time, Councilman Greenfield noted the importance of performing acts of chessed in a sensitive manner.

“It occurred to me, a lot of people want to do chessed and want to make a difference on behalf of their community, but don’t know how to get started … I want to thank all of you for the chessed you perform and for doing it the right way,” concluded Greenfield.

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