Team players Alvin Wall, Steve Sandler, Ed Reed, and Ron Kramer
Golfers laced their cleats and teed off at Bayville Golf and Country Club for this year’s annual Hebrew Academy of Tidewater Konikoff Center of Learning golf tournament. The event, which celebrated its 24th year, raises funds for need-based scholarships for students of Hebrew Academy and the Strelitz Early Childhood Center.
“The love for our school community, friendly competition and camaraderie once again translated into another successful benefit to the tune of $125,000,” says Deb Segaloff, director of development. “We are so grateful to everyone from our new golf tournament chair, David Cardon, and other volunteers, to the players and sponsors for helping us continue providing such a high quality Jewish day school education here in Hampton Roads.”
Held on Tuesday, Sept. 11, Rabbi Mordechai Wecker, HAT’s head of school, led a moment of silence. “I am told we were actually in the midst of our annual golf tournament 11 years ago when the news about the terrorist attack broke on that fateful day,” he says. “It was important to pause and give respect in memory of all those who perished that day and for those who continue to fight for our freedom today. As I finished reflecting on the past, I looked around at everyone and felt incredibly inspired in that moment…it is a profound feeling to be part of a community where there are so many businesses and individuals who come together in support of Jewish education.”
In the spirit of moving forward, the golf tournament baton has now officially been passed from longstanding event chair and past HAT president Bob Josephberg to David Cardon, HAT alumnus and current trustee.
“Bob is still responsible for so much of the success of this day,” says Cardon. “It wouldn’t be nearly as successful without all of his support and people he brings together, as well as that of his assistant Angela Jenkins. The two have run this event year after year like a finely tuned engine and we owe both of them a tremendous debt of gratitude. It is upon their wings that I will endeavor to keep the incredible spirit, integrity and success of this event going strong.”
Like Josephberg who was a HAT parent and past board member, Cardon and his wife, Elyse, are strong supporters of Hebrew Academy in more than one way. Both are alumni, having met at HAT in the third grade. He is a current member of the board and the couple now sends their children to HAT and the Strelitz Early Childhood Center preschool. “We want our children to have the kind of day school experience we had as kids,” says Cardon, “one that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Hebrew Academy is a jewel—our kids would not be the children they are without the experiences they are having every day there. This is why the annual golf tournament is so important. It is vital that we continue to raise funds so that those who want a challenging, high quality Judaic and secular education for their children can have that unique opportunity.”
As chair of the event, Cardon along with Segaloff, oversaw a host of volunteer committees. “The food committee,” says Segaloff, “was chaired by past HAT parents and current trustees, Ilana Benson and Joan Joffe and was catered by the Sandler Campus’ Cardo Café. They did an exceptional job with an American/Israeli theme —hamburgers, chicken kabobs, falafel, hummus and pita, among other great food. The raffle committee, chaired by HAT parents Leslie Auerbach and Tami Arnowitz had more participation by volunteer members, which resulted in even more raffle prizes. The golf registration bag committee, chaired by HAT parent Cara Scheffres, got so many appreciation items donated for the players this year. Volunteer coordination was chaired by HAT parents and board trustees Rachel Abrams and Patti Seeman, who secured an outpouring of volunteer participation like never before. The solicitation committee, chaired by David Cardon and Bob Josephberg, celebrated many returning sponsors and new sponsors. Altogether, this combined group of volunteers did an outstanding job, surpassing all of our expectations.”
At the end of the day, 90 players and 43 volunteers—including three area rabbis, Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz, Rabbi Levi Brashivetsky and Rabbi Aaron Margolin —had enjoyed beautiful weather, great sportsmanship, a fabulous feast, an awards ceremony and, most importantly, a sense of community that was born out of a shared love for the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater.
The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater Konikoff Center of Learning/Strelitz Early Childhood Center preschool is a constituent agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. To make a donation to the school, or for information about next year’s tournament, contact Deb Segaloff, director of development, at dsegaloff@hebrewacademy.net or call 757-424-4327.
by Dee Dee Becker