Derek Saker
Director of Communications
OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services
dsaker@ohelfamily.org
718-686-3333 direct | 347 920 0199 mobile | 718 851 2772 fax
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OHEL SIXTH ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT DRAWS SELL-OUT CROWD AS MUSIC HELPS ELEVATE LIVES

A sold-out crowd of 1,100 enjoyed a magnificent evening of music recently at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall for OHEL's Sixth Annual Benefit Concert. Music, film, story and a memorable message—Achudus in Harmony this year's theme—merged to create a spectacular performance featuring the talents of  superstars Avraham Fried, Lev Tahor, Shimon Cramer and Netanel Hershtik and the New York Synagogue Choir. Produced by No/it Productions, with technical support from Kol Rom Multimedia, and Bernie Dove Design, orchestral entertainment was provided by the Shloime Dachs Orchestra, and the event's executive producer was OHEL's own Chief Development Officer, Norman B. Gildin.

The evening began with an elegant VIP reception sponsored by Pomegranate.  More than 200 guests attended and were greeted by New York political dignitaries U.S. Representative Anthony Wiener and NYC Comptroller John Liu. 

The concert, an elegantly produced event, followed. A raised multi-leveled platform stage and an impressive, internally lit construction featured the orchestra throughout the show with singers performing on the platforms around and above them. A custom built backdrop encased the super large video screen. It was a dynamic and original set for high-powered performance after high-powered performance. 

In addition to the musicians and performers mentioned above, the audience was treated, as well, to a surprise. 8th Day, a popular Jewish Chassidic musical duo from Los Angeles entertained the audience with original humor and music and debuted their newest hit “Yalilee” with Lev Tahor. Also featured was the Shloime Kaufman Choir behind Avraham Fried.

Special guests Harvey and Gloria Kaylie enjoyed the Concert and a standing ovation. A moving film about Camp Kaylie at OHEL was featured. Camp Kaylie, the only camp of its kind in the nation, bringing together children of all abilities—developmentally disabled and typically developing—was in keeping with the evening’s theme of Achudus in Harmony. 

The benefit concert was sponsored by The Americare Companies, Garden Court Health Supplies, Capital One Bank, Kosher.com, Senior Care, Kosher Delight, Nut-Ola, Meridian Capital Group, J & R Music, Michael and Florence Edelstein, Red Rock Outdoor, Oh Baby!, Pomegranate, and AirMark and many other loyal and dedicated friends. OHEL is grateful to these companies whose support helped create a remarkable event and whose commitment to our community is critical and deeply appreciated.

Concert-goers will long remember this evening of great performances, beautiful sentiments, and community involvement. Every audience member received a souvenir CD featuring some of the music of the evening’s performers, as well as gift bags sponsored by J & R. Most important of all—every performer, patron, and sponsor can rejoice in the evening’s meaning for the thousands of lives served and elevated every day by OHEL Bais Ezra and The Lifetime Care Foundation, beneficiaries of the event’s proceeds.

It will be hard to top this year’s extravaganza, but OHEL staff is already hard at work on next year’s Benefit Concert. Our connection to great Jewish music—and the drive to support everyone who needs OHEL’s help in our community—will endure.