Camp B'nai Brith of Montreal

For many of us, camp is our passion, one that has not only enriched our lives, but one that has also added meaning, purpose and quality to the lives of others. Camp is a cherished gift, that magnificent “Gift of Summer” that we all benefit from by our participation and our belonging.

As I present you with this past season’s statistics, it clearly illustrates the impact camp had on so many members of our community.

Clearly one can see from the above statistics camps, connection to Israel. Not only did we host campers and staff from Israel but we sent two Shorashim trips to Israel. In total, 112 campers and staff participated in a unique and dynamic Israel program.
As I pay tribute tonight to the members of our Board, Officers, Co-chairs of events, committee members, professional and support staff, I realize that if it takes a village to raise a child, as the ancient proverb states, then our own village must be very large and very special in order to accomplish so much.

In June we held our second “Gift of Summer” Gala at the Marché Bonsecours. Over 450 guests attended this soiree and danced the night away. Special thanks are extended to our co-chairs Cindy and Fred Naimer and Heather and Joseph Paperman for their tireless efforts and the outstanding financial success of the Gala. The room was electric and everyone felt the passion that make the evening so very special.

The program book, in the expert and creative hands of our co-chairs Marion Sohmer and Suzie Shaffer not only produced a magnificent book but also generated much-needed funds. Sponsor co-chairs Gail Adelson Marcovitz and Stephen Greenberg surpassed all expectations. They managed to increase the number of “Gifts of Summer” from last year’s Gala while retaining 135 traditional $1000 benefactors. Truly a remarkable feat! I must commend the decor co-chairs, Cara Itzkovitz and Harry Kloda who continue to amaze us with their innovative ideas as they transformed an empty ballroom into an extraordinary experience which has become the talk of the town. Our bunkmates co-chairs Lila Cutler and Fran Brenhouse managed to fill our program book with hundreds of bunkmates. Our new and dynamic auction chair Richard Rubin managed to fill the room with a plethora of items that our guests couldn’t resist. With Heather Zipkin’s guidance and Richard’s persistence, the room was filled with the most unique auction items. The end result was that over $115,000 was raised. An achievement that surpassed our wildest dreams

Our final fundraising event, our annual “Gift of Summer” Raffle draw, took place prior to last year’s annual meeting. The co-chairs Gwenn Garonce, Terry Pomerantz and Steven Wexelman did a remarkable job selling tickets as well as motivating their team. I must give special recognition to Steven Wexelman as he personally sold 288 raffle tickets. He certainly raised the bar for our canvassers.

Our camp continues to be at the “cutting edge” of the camping industry because of the generosity of a unique and caring community who understands the important role that a summer camp experience plays in developing Jewish identity. We appreciate and our grateful for your unwavering support.There are many unsung heroes, volunteers who give of themselves to assure a better quality of life for others. You know who you are. Please accept this President’s appreciation.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of Camp B’nai Brith I want to express our sincere appreciation to Federation CJA. Thank you for your help and consideration in all areas of our operation. C.B.B.’s partnership with Federation CJA is filled with mutual respect and admiration and truly represents the uniqueness of our community.

At this time I would also like to express my gratitude to Clifford Herer, Immediate Past-President and all of the Past- Presidents for their support and sage advice. Their expertise and loyalty to camp are exemplary. Camp is truly fortunate to have so many Past Presidents remain active and involved, and it is a group from whom I have learned so much.When it comes to the Vice-Presidents of C.B.B., the following quote comes to mind: “When a team of dedicated individuals makes a commitment to act as one...the sky’s the limit.” All of your efforts have contributed to our reaching new heights in all of our endeavors, and for this I thank you.

I must include in this report my sincere appreciation for the entire C.B.B. team of Yacov Galperin, Recia Gordon, Esther Rothenberg, Lorna Burack and Freda Hirsh for their hard work and continued commitment to our organization. As you can see, the key to C.B.B.’s success is exemplified in one word - teamwork. Our operation runs smoothly and effectively because we are blessed with a completely dedicated staff at Camp, our Montreal office, as well as on our Board.

I would like to conclude by thanking my wife Bonnie and my sons Noah, Josh, and Daniel who have had to share me with the entire Jewish community. I want you to know that you are my source of strength and inspiration. The past two years have been years of innovation, achievement and unprecedented excitement. It has been an honor to be your President.

Yasher Koach to everyone!
Laurence Paperman, President