Lisa Fleischmann (Auxiliary board member), Deb Leeson, Melissa Miller, Elizabeth Glass (Auxiliary board member), and Laura Rader
From Mah Jongg to Bridge to Canasta and more, over 230 women gathered for a game-playing day raising important funds for a worthwhile cause, The William Breman Jewish Home. Since 2014, the ever-popular fundraiser, "Game Day," has been a well-attended, fun-filled, energetic day filled with comradery and gaming of choice to support the Auxiliary and benefit Jewish HomeLife (JHL).
This year's Game Day event chair, Cheryl Schwartz, organized a spectacular day of game-playing and fundraising. With a jam-packed filled buzzing auditorium at Temple Sinai where the event was hosted, tables of four flowed into the reception area filling the entire space with winning women. The sounds of cards shuffling, tiles racking, card calling and more echoed throughout and a warm welcome was expressed by the leadership who organized the day.
Sheryl Eisenberg and Mindi Sard, Auxiliary co-chairs, began by praising Schwartz for her hard work in planning and executing this large gathering. Schwartz organized the venue, food, decorations, invitations, and endless details culminating in a fabulous day for everyone who attended. Schwartz commented how lucky the Auxiliary is to have such a great team as she looked out across the room and saw so many women uniting for a cause that was truly touching.
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Also acknowledged were vice chairs of special events for the Auxiliary, Elizabeth Glass and Bonnie Kwatnez, for creating such a warm and festive event along with a host of others.
Schwartz said, "These ladies have worked so hard and Game Day has come a long way since its beginnings in 2014, when it was an idea from then-Auxiliary board members Randi Levy and Margo Edlin, as a way to create a fun relaxed environment to remind us of the connections in our community and the importance of friendships while we celebrate the Jewish Home."
Sard added, "Jane Butler and Lisa Fleishmann were inspired to add a new feature to Game Day 2025 making available the opportunity to order your Mah Jongg card sales with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the [Jewish] Home. This idea was well received, and they hope to continue working with The National Mah Jongg League to continue reaping the benefit of their 'give back' program to non-profits next year. Players order a new card yearly, and the league has a meaningful history of featuring the causes in their newsletter and giving back as a thank you. A new card is a gift as it's the upcoming year's new hands that Mah Jongg players will be playing once cards are received."
Along with a unison of praise, everyone agreed that it was inspiring to see the community come together, not only for a day of games but also in support of a cause so close to our hearts. Game players selected their game of choice and tables spanned the auditorium with colorful decorations, boxed lunches and sweets baked by the talented Sherri Habif, Auxiliary past president, who presented an array of goodies and favorites ranging from wedding cookies to brownies and assorted mouth-watering delicacies.
"The sense of family and community that surrounds us is truly a gift," Eisenberg said as she expressed gratitude to Jewish HomeLife for their support of the Auxiliary. She also took time to thank JHL's board chair Candy Berman and past board chair Steve Berman for their continued leadership and generosity in sponsoring Temple Sinai as the venue. Both the Bermans and Jewish HomeLife CEO and President Jeffrey Gopen, mingled at the event and welcomed game players and supporters.
Auxiliary charter life member, Sandy Abrams who volunteers at the event commented she looks forward to this event yearly. Abrams helped check guests in and said, "I love seeing everyone at Game Day and work as a volunteer. It's incredible how this event has become such a wonderful part of the Jewish community, and such a large group of women support it and love playing together."
Game Day has proven to be successful and has grown initially from 16 tables at its early origins at The Home to 55 tables today with four women playing at each. The event has grown beyond everyone's expectations, becoming a popular tradition where old friends reconnect, and new friendships are formed. As the Auxiliary prepares to celebrate its 40th year, this is a time when they can rightfully reflect on how far they've come -- from just over 770 women to more than 1,150 members strong. Their strong and meaningful mission has always been clear: to support the residents of The William Breman Jewish Home and all of Jewish HomeLife.
It's clear that Game Day has a winning formula and the gratitude everyone displays is evident. While gratitude gladdened the room and the joy was felt, it is clear that the Auxiliary is especially appreciative of their board members and all members for their sponsorships, which helped make Game Day 2025 the best yet.
And just in case you're a game player and ready to sign up for Game Day 2026 and looking ahead, the Auxiliary is excited for the future and opportunities to continue supporting Jewish HomeLife. To get involved and make a difference, and get in on the game, contact Cindy Cassano at ccassano@jewishhomelife.org.