Last night, over 1000 children and adults enjoyed the annual Chai Lifeline Chanukah party at Ateres Reva.

Families felt Chanukah in the air as they were greeted by a stunning glow-in-the-dark menorah display upon entering the hall. The Glow Gala was planned and designed by Mrs. Chavi Chase of Pret-A-Partee with fabulous uplighting graciously provided by Steiner Events.

The party included a mouthwatering hot buffet generously sponsored by Gary Blum of Dalgar caterers. Each table was decorated with a balloon centerpiece arranged by The Balloon Shoppe and Judie Singer of By Invitation Only along with delicious donuts provided by Shapiros.

Every child received his own nosh bag, prizes, and tickets to enter into an auction featuring exciting prizes like an android tablet, karaoke set, and more!

Chanukah crafts booths kept the children occupied while the adults enjoyed reconnecting with their Chai Lifeline friends. “The volunteers kept my kids so busy the entire night, and they had a great time making sand art and menorah projects. I was actually able to sit down for a few minutes and shmooze with some people I haven’t seen in a long time,” reflects Mrs. G. “I got a dose of encouragement from the other moms which will I hope will keep me going through the winter!”

The graffiti walls, constructed by Woodpeckers, were plastered in Chanukah designs as the children expressed their inner artist with the exciting opportunity to draw on the wall!

The line to ride the spinning dreidel by Meir Kolko Designs was long, but the anticipation was great as each child waited for their turn to enjoy a spin! A unique face painting booth by Ariella Lomnitz of Face Craze NJ had the kids grinning in delight at their faces glowed along with the decor.

The highlight of the party was the mouth dropping pogo stick show performed by Xpogo Stunts Team, first time ever performing in the Lakewood vicinity! The Shloime Friedman Orchestra with Yitz Henken and Simcha Leiner livened up the night with festive Chanukah music and spirited dancing.

After a fun-filled evening, each child went home with a wrapped Chanukah gift box, donated through the Chai Lifeline Toy drive and prepared and wrapped with each child in mind by dedicated volunteers, Miri Brecher and Dina Fried. The toys were collected by the Lakewood community’s schools, businesses and neighborhoods, and each toy that was donated brought smiles to the faces of Chai Lifeline children. As one parent said, “The presents were very appropriate and everyone found something (or more!) that excited them!” Those families who did not attend the party will have their gift box delivered to their home on Chanukah.

The Lakewood Chanukah party was just a start for Chai Lifeline’s New Jersey region. Over the course of the next two weeks, Chai Lifeline will have the opportunity to host more children and their families at additional Chanukah parties in South Jersey, CHOP, and other hospitals in the area.

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