We have friends in Kulanu places

The Mansion of Lawrence (Temple Israel) was transformed into a Gilley’s-like country and western club as Cedarhurst-based Kulanu Academy held a gala dinner fundraiser with the theme Denim and Diamonds that included attendees showing their best bling, tasting varieties of scotch and dancing to the sounds of SouthBound, a Long Island country and classic rock band on March 24. The event was postponed on Jan. 7, after a water pipe was damaged because of the Jan. 4 nor’easter.

Rachael Berg, Kulanu’s special events coordinator, and the event’s trio of co-chairs, Iris Maidenbaum, Melodie Scharf and Shari Shapiro help to ensure that everyone had a great time as the guests got to learn how to line dance. Executive Director Beth Raskin thanked the women for their work.

For more than 17 years Kulanu has helped boys and girls and young adults with special needs navigate their way from childhood to adulthood. Kulanu, Hebrew for “all of us,” also has programs for parents, guardians and special-needs adults.