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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mel Zachter Named OHEL Co-President
To Be Installed at the OHEL Annual Gala

OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services Annual Gala Dinner will be held Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the New York Hilton Hotel, NYC. 

This year’s Gala Dinner themed “Cherish the Children” will include the Installation of Mel Zachter as OHEL’s Co-President. 

Mel and his wife Phyllis are long-time OHEL friends and supporters who have displayed extraordinary leadership to the organization and commitment to the community. Before accepting the Co-Presidency, Mel served as OHEL’s Chairman of the Executive Committee and Treasurer and is a member of the Risk Management, Finance and the Development Committees.

Mel Zachter, CPA, is retiring from his position as Partner at Loeb & Troper, LLP where he provided audit and consulting services to a full spectrum of not-for-profit organizations for more than forty years. His expertise in this area is widely known. He received the 2008 Michael H. Urbach award, presented by the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Council of Community Services in New York State. Mel graduated from Bernard M. Baruch School of Business and Public Administration of The City University of New York and received his CPA certificate in 1972 and subsequently completed all MBA courses.

“OHEL has always touched my heart and soul. Nearly everyone who knows me is aware of the passion I feel for this exceptional Agency.  We have over 100 sites that serve clients with an incredible array of needs within the Jewish community  - ranging from foster care to domestic abuse to mental health to helping the developmentally disabled.  The magnitude is enormous”, says Zachter. “With the advent of my retirement, I welcome the opportunity to move into the position of Co-President and to continue my long and rewarding association with OHEL.  I look forward to making a difference in the lives of the children and families served by OHEL which continues to work with such success to address the increasing challenges we face today and growing needs of tomorrow.”

OHEL President, Moishe Hellman says “Mel has had a tremendously successful and productive career as a Senior Partner in Loeb and Troper. He has devoted tremendous time and kochos to OHEL for the many years – but I know now, in his retirement, he will be able to devote even more time to OHEL. Mel is a devoted askan to many causes – but first and foremost – OHEL.  I value his partnership and am so proud that we are now Co-Presidents.  

The OHEL Board of Directors enthusiastically welcome him into a new position of leadership and look forward to the experience and passion he brings to our work.”

Mr. Zachter’s installation as OHEL Co-President is one of a number of celebratory components of the Annual Gala. Distinguished honorees will be recognized for exemplary commitment to cherishing and elevating the lives of people of all ages and are among OHEL’s most loyal friends and supporters. This year’s honorees include: 

Corporate Guests of Honor are Bollinger Insurance, Inc., Andrew Marks, Senior Executive VP and Bruce Tindal, Executive VP.  

A tribute to the memory of Rita Baratz, A”H, beloved mother of OHEL’s Honored Guests, Philip and Lisa Baratz, David and Tzippora Baratz, Michael and Ellen Baratz, and Sammy and Rachellie Baratz.  Rita and her husband Joe served as exemplary OHEL foster parents to many children in need of safe shelter and a loving home; their children continue her legacy. 

Patrick I. Borgen, M.D. will be honored with OHEL’s Humanitarian Award at the Annual Gala.  Dr. Borgen is Chair of the Department of Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and heads the Brooklyn Breast Cancer Program at Maimonides Cancer Center. 

Assemblyman Gary Schaer of New Jersey will receive the Legislator of the Year Award.  

Assemblyman Schaer has become known for advocacy on a number of issues affecting the Jewish community.  He is working closely with OHEL in proposing legislation in New Jersey on maintaining a child's religious upbringing in adoption or foster care.

OHEL and its many friends and supporters are committed to the fundamental principle that every child deserves to be cherished. For more than forty-two years, OHEL has provided critical programs and services to help ensure that children are protected, well cared for, loved and encouraged to thrive. 

Through OHEL Bais Ezra, OHEL Lifetime Care Foundation, OHEL Foster Care, OHEL Mental Health, OHEL’s Institute for Training and Camp Kaylie, OHEL serves thousands of children, adults and families in need every day in communities throughout the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas, as well as in South Florida and worldwide on the web.

Support for the Annual Gala will give children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend summer camp alongside their typically developing peers; respite and support to the parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders; access to the best medical care for children living with OHEL foster families; among many other important programs and services.

The Annual Gala is OHEL’s most important fundraising event of the year. Many of OHEL’s programs receive little or no government funding.  Gifts to the 2012 Annual Gala and Journal will support OHEL’s Cherish the Children Campaign.