PHOTOS: This past Sunday, Feb 12, more than 250 people from across Central Jersey and Long Island enjoyed a memorable evening at the Batya Inaugural Dinner in the Radisson Hotel in Freehold, NJ.The guests were greeted at the door by the energetic and welcoming Batya girls, and directed to the reception room to enjoy a delectable spread by Greenwald Caterers. The beautiful facility and impeccable service at the Radisson created an elegant and enjoyable ambiance.

Over a delicious sit-down dinner following the cocktail hour, the guests enjoyed a moving and entertaining program. Parent tribute award recipients, Eve and Neil Seidman from Marlboro, along with Eve’s parent, Dorine and Sid Katz from Brooklyn, spoke eloquently on their video of the benefits their entire family has reaped from their daughter, Brittany’s involvement with Batya over the last five years. “Because she went to Batya, she went to Nageela. From camp, she called me and said, ‘sign me up for yeshiva high school for MAYHS,’ and she loved it!” Brittany has made great strides in her yiddishkeit and recently took upon herself to keep kosher. Eve expressed her wishes that Batya be able to continue to expand and that more girls and parents avail themselves of this wonderful program. “It’s great values… they learn self-confidence, they learn respect – for themselves first and for others…100% positive all around,” Eve says.

Captain Mark Seigel, respected member of the Lakewood community, a retired Air Force captain and recipient of over thirty military awards and medals, accepted the Community Service Award with his wife Barbara. Mark spoke of his stint in the military and likened his military motto, “Improvise, adapt and overcome,” to the positive influence Batya is having on our teens helping them deal with the challenges of society by connecting them positively to Torah.

The highlight of the evening came with the award presentation to the event’s Guests of Honor, Susan and Abraham Opatut, distinguished residents of Freehold. In a moving presentation, Abe shared the positive start of the newly established First Commerce Bank for which he serves as Chairman, and went on to discuss the legacy of activism and philanthropy that his parents, Joel and Frances Opatut, passed on to their family. The Betzalel Hebrew Day School’s building on Sixth Street still bears the name of Abe’s parents. Abe’s sister Arlene Hammer shared their father’s motto, one that sits well with Batya’s mission. “Don’t forget where you came from… know how to say thank you to those around you and to your community.”

Gershon Biegeleisen, CPA, served as Dinner Chairman together with Jack Aaronson; both are board members of First Commerce Bank. Akiva Gonter, noted askan in the community, acted as Journal Chairman.

The guests were then treated to an exciting and informative feature video presentation, by the Batya girls. The presentation was set as a newscast from the Batya News Network, with Batya girls acting as reporters. Between their fabulous presentation and the footage of the incredible Batya activities, guests enjoyed many “LOL moments” as well as an enjoyable inside view of the many programs Batya offers and the incredible growth the girls have shown.

The evening ended with a hilarious production, The Simon Show, by magician and comedian, Simon Mandel and the announcement of the winners of the Silent Auction which had been running throughout the night. Overall, the affair was rated tops by all participants who are looking forward to next year’s dinner!

Batya, a youth group for teenage girls, has branches in 7 communities across NY, NJ and PA, and within its unique and warm environment, hundreds of girls are thriving and growing, and connecting to their heritage. Through weekly programming, special events, trips and community service, Batya offers its members opportunities to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and long-lasting friendships. The girls explore Torah and yiddishkeit and learn to develop a pride in themselves as members of Klal Yisroel.

An eighth branch is scheduled to open in Cherry Hill, NJ within the next few weeks.

To learn more about this wonderful organization, visit www.batyagirls.org, or call 732-835-BATYA(2289). TLS.