JAFCO Children’s Ability Center Poker Tournament. {Faran Fagen}
By Faran Fagen
Social skills classes. Life skills. Summer camp. Child respite. Mom wellness. Dad support groups.
These are some of the services that more than an event-record 125 philanthropic Poker players went all-in for at the annual JAFCO Children’s Ability Center Poker Tournament in Sunrise on Nov. 6.
“This event gets bigger and bigger every year, and I want to thank our many generous sponsors who make it all possible,” said Perry Isenberg, Chair of the poker tournament.
Pre-paid Players, whose buy-in went directly to JAFCO families in need, were greeted with a catered dinner and open bar upon arrival for the event. The tournament was hosted at Illuminate Event Venue, JAFCO’s unique event space that offers employment opportunities for young adults with autism.
Before the cards were dealt by professional dealers in tuxedos on smooth felt tables, Isenberg and other JAFCO dignitaries took the microphone and gave words of thanks to the many sponsors and workers who made the event possible.
Next, a video was shown about a family in crisis who turned to JAFCO in their time of need. Thanks to JAFCO, the son, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, is receiving much-needed resources through the Ability Center, giving the family hope.
After the video, many of those in attendance were clapping and crying, knowing their contributions were helping much-needed families. Three hours later, three winning Poker players walked away with donated gift prizes.
The JAFCO Children’s Ability Center supports families raising children with developmental disabilities by providing family enrichment, resources, and respite care all within one state-of-the-art center.
Perry Isenberg.
JAFCO’s mission is to provide care, safety, and support to children and their families within the Jewish community and beyond who are impacted by abuse, neglect, trauma, or developmental disabilities…giving every child a place to belong.
The lives of more than 8,000 children and families in the community have been touched since the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center opened its doors 10 years ago. Families interested in learning more about the programs and services offered can visit https://jafco.org/what-we-do/childrens-ability-center/.
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