The Dave and Mary Alper JCC’s mission is to support the South Dade community by providing recreational, educational, cultural and social programming for all ages and abilities. In fact, beginning this summer our Summer Camp will be a fully inclusive program for children of all abilities. Events such as our annual Special Needs Fundraiser help the JCC continue to meet the needs of all members of our community.
This year’s 21st annual JCC Special Needs Fundraiser promises to reach new heights, all for a great cause! You won’t want to miss this high-energy evening on Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. “Rainbow Circus,” a Cirque-style troupe that has travelled the world with Cirque du Soleil and Ringling Brothers Circus, will delight you with interactive performances including aerial artists, contortionists, jugglers, a giant magician, flying champagne fairies and much more. The event will also feature a spectacular Silent Auction, fabulous dinner stations, specialty drinks and decadent desserts. During the evening, guests will bid on the finest restaurants, travel excursions, entertainment, spa treatments, jewelry, sports memorabilia and more!
Funds raised from this annual event provide Special Needs children, teens and adults in our community with a diverse range of programs including summer day camp, teen and adult clubs, field trips and holiday programs. Scholarships are also provided for families who need assistance.
During this very special evening, we will be honoring Carol and David Stiefel who have devoted much time and effort over the past twenty years to supporting the JCC Special Needs programs. They became involved in the Program shortly after their older son was diagnosed with Autism. The Stiefels appreciated the benefits they have received.
“There were far fewer community resources available to parents of Autistic children at the time, but the JCC existed as a most caring, sympathetic resource where our children were welcomed with open arms,” Carol Stiefel said. “Our sons’ participation in JCC Special Needs Program introduced them to new friends and gave them the opportunity to experience wonderful activities in a safe and nurturing environment. As parents of special needs children, we were introduced to many mothers and fathers who shared our circumstances and lived in atypical households. Many of these parents became our very close friends and have stood with us through family challenges and achievements.”
Many companies and individuals sponsor the Special Needs program, with sponsorships starting at $360 up to $10,000. Event tickets are $100. Contact Marsha Botkin at 305-271-9000 ext. 272 or email <mbotkin@alperjcc.org>, or visit <alperjcc.org> for more information.
In addition to the Special Needs Fundraiser, there are a handful of exciting events coming up in our Sablotsky Cultural Arts Center this month. Mothers and daughters, come enjoy A Girl’s Night on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., where you will be reminded why there is nothing more wonderful than a mother’s love. There is also nothing more annoying. In their book Mother, Can You Not?, Kate Siegel and Kim Friedman pay tribute to the woman who invented the concept of drone parenting. Siegel is the social media guru behind the Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom and her mom, Friedman, is an Emmy-nominated director of Beverly Hills 90210, L.A. Law, and Dynasty. Adults $10, Limited “mom-bring-your-daughter” price, two for $15.
On Tuesday April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Lesley Stahl, One of America’s most well-respected journalists from 60 Minutes, uses her reporter’s instinct and grandmother’s heart to take a bold look at life’s most joyful relationship in her book Becoming Grandma. Stahl brings stunning new insights into this classic bond. $36 includes paperback book and preferred seating, or $15 General Admission.
In addition to the cultural arts center, the JCC’s extensive facilities include a complete fitness center, a preschool, after school programs, summer and specialty camps, and programmed activities for adults and senior adults. For complete information, visit alperjcc.org or call 305-271-9000.
