Chai Lifeline honors Dr. Eddie Simpser

 

Chai Lifeline will celebrate its 2019 Annual Gala on Monday, December 9, at The Marriott Marquis in New York City. A leading children’s health support network, Chai Lifeline provides critical assistance to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families, through more than two-dozen, free year-round programs and services, including professional case management; two- medically supervised overnight camps, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special; counseling; meal delivery; transportation to medical appointments; Project Chai crisis intervention; insurance advocacy; family retreats and respite; i-Shine afterschool national programs for children living with illness or loss in their homes; and more.

Joining Chai Lifeline in celebrating this year’s gala theme, “An Evening for the Kids,” will be comedian MODI and music sensation Mordechai Shapiro.

“At Chai Lifeline, we are driven by the simple belief that kids, regardless of their medical circumstances, should be able to just be kids,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, chief executive officer of Chai Lifeline. “This year’s gala will pay tribute to our kids — the heart of Chai Lifeline — as well as our dedicated staff, volunteers, and distinguished honorees who reflect our commitment to supporting families battling pediatric illness.”

Guests of Honor: Shimmy and Layala Bertram.

For more than two decades, the Bertrams have been devoted supporters of Chai Lifeline. Mr. Bertram, a principal at real estate investment firm Shelbourne Global Solutions, currently serves as treasurer on Chai Lifeline’s board of directors.

Maimonides Medical Achievement Award: Dr. Eddie Simpser.

Dr. Simpser, of Plainview, is president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. He has long partnered with Chai Lifeline to offer world-class medical care to children with medically complex conditions and will receive this award in recognition of his dedication and ongoing contributions to children’s healthcare.

Chai Lifeline honors Dr. Effie Kupferstein and Devorah Goldberg-Kupferstein

Camp Simcha Appreciation Award: Dr. Effie Kupferstein and Devorah Goldberg-Kupferstein.

Effie, a native of Lawrence, began his relationship with Chai Lifeline in 2008 as a Camp Simcha staff member. Inspired by his experience, he helped launch the Camp Simcha alumni department at Chai Lifeline and was a founding member of its alumni committee. Throughout the year, Effie and Devorah are active participants in Chai Lifeline programs and events.

Young Builders Award: Sarah and Zachary Perl.

Sarah’s involvement with Chai Lifeline began as a Camp Simcha staff member in the summer of 2012. Since that time, she has continued her work with Chai Lifeline as a respite volunteer, offering emotional and practical relief to hospitalized children and their families. Most recently, Sarah and Zachary played an integral role in helping establish the Young Builders Society, designed for the next generation of lay leadership and philanthropists at Chai Lifeline.

To reserve a seat or table, place a journal ad, or learn more about the Chai Lifeline Gala, visit ChaiDinner.org.

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