Fox Chapel Chabad honors community volunteers at charity gala

By Staff March 22, 2013, 1:24 pm 0 Edit

Kara Spodek and her family pose for a photo after receiving the Lamplighter’s Award. (Chronicle photos by Ralph Musthaler)

Chabad Fox Chapel honored its own and celebrated Sunday, March 17, at its third annual Spark Gala event at the Marriott City Center, Downtown.

The event, which drew some 250 people, raises money for the Children’s Fund and the Jewish Relief Agency.

Kara Spodek, Cindy Feldman and Valerie Wecht were all celebrated for their leadership to the community.

Spodek for volunteering her time at the Fox Chapel School District and Boyd Center, received the Lamplighters (Leadership) Award.

Feldman, founder of the Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, received the Community Service Award.

And Wecht, who volunteers for sports leagues and give-back programs, as well as Camp Gan Israel Fox Chapel, received the Chessed (Kindness) Award.

Richard Szabo and Max Jahnke were given the “Youth Leadership Award,” in recognition of their responsible, good nature, admirable values and commendable leadership within their youth clubs and communities.

Rabby Ely Rosenfeld, co-director of the Fox Chapel Chabad, said the gala typically honors people who usually go unrecognized, which is a drawing card for the event.

“I make it a point of finding people who go unrecognized in the community who give so much of their time,” he said. “When their names are chosen, its like a home run.”

Marc Rice and Jack Bergman chaired this year’s gala, which included a silent auction with gifts donated by the Pirates and Penguins.

The Children’s Fund provides families with summer camp scholarships, enabling them to provide their child with a meaningful, enriching camp experience, regardless of religious affiliation or financial ability.

The JRA is a volunteer-driven organization; its mission is to help families in need. Since its founding, JRA has been bringing together individuals of all means, ages and backgrounds in the spirit of community and friendship.

Rosenfeld didn’t say how much money was raised Sunday, though he did state, “It was our best [year] yet.”