Celebrating the ‘jewel’ of the Five Towns

Residents, community leaders, and elected officials flocked to Five Towns Community Chest’s annual public meeting at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on Monday, as the Woodmere-based civic organization marked a year of accomplishments, and swore in new members. “The purpose of our annual meeting is to celebrate and report to the public on Chest’s achievements,” said Executive Director Bob Block.
Community Chest Board President Steven Spiro delivered opening remarks, Youth Board Vice President Jackson Israel led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jason Eras, 14, sang the national anthem. Spiro noted the success of Chest’s various events in 2013, including the “Circus in A Suitcase” event, the 5K Run, and the annual community fair, as well as the organization’s fundraising efforts. “I want to see Chest raise more money so we can expand the amount of people we can help, and increase the amounts we provide,” Spiro said, about Chest’s goals for 2014. “Additionally, I’d like to continue building bridges with other organizations,” he added. Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library Director Susan O. de Sciora was presented with a Community Service Award for her support of Community Chest, as well as for hosting many of the organization’s events.
Keynote Speaker Syd Mandelbaum, CEO of Cedarhurst-based Rock and Wrap it up!, an anti-poverty think tank and affiliate of Community Chest, dedicated to stamping out hunger and poverty, captivated the audience as he spoke about the organization’s growth and development, as they fight to reduce hunger and poverty. “He has touched so many of our neighbors, in so many ways,” said Spiro, regarding Mandelbaum. Mandelbaum was also presented with the 2013 Joseph M. Sokol Memorial Award by Spiro.