On a beautiful evening in late summer, Lori and Rene Rofe graciously opened their spectacular home and spacious grounds to children of all ages.

As you entered through the balloon archway, you became a kid again. The night started out with everyone's favorite dinner, pizza, and most favorite dessert—ice cream. Everyone then proceeded to sit in their age-appropriate section.

The front patio was set up with small, round tables as the little ones anxiously awaited the arrival of the popular “Music with Dorothy.” Dorothy had the little ones on their feet jumping, singing, dancing and most importantly, smiling!

The older kids made their way down to the colorful and shady garden area for an exciting game of Bingo! Sara Abadi did an amazing job calling the numbers, with her endless energy and enthusiasm. Gitta Seruya, Raquel Saadia and Susan Cohen assisted in keeping the game extremely organized. The kids were screaming out, laughing and enjoying every minute. Fourteen games were played, and the kids won awesome prizes sponsored by generous community members. Michelle Zekaria, along with her nephew Morris Ades, did such a great job buying the fabulous prizes from Toys-R-Us that the winners had a hard time choosing their prizes!

In the meantime, everyone got a chance to buy tickets for the kids' auction, set up by Suzi and Arlette Cohen. These girls put their whole hearts into it, working for weeks to make the auction look perfect. Their creativity was evidenced through the beautiful color coordination and amazing props. The auction consisted of many popular items including a Nintendo Wii, a Story Book Cottage, a Corvette Convertible, and a Hello Kitty package, donated by the Paper Moon. Needless to say, both kids and parents were very impressed.

A variety of character themed backpacks, generously donated by members of our community, were available for sale. The kids excitedly chose their favorite characters in preparation for the new school year.

All the while, Marc Greenberg was taking portraits of the adorable children who were so happy to be at this event.

All of these activities were going on simultaneously—and that was the exact purpose of this special day sponsored by Mollie and Marc Seruya, in loving memory of their brother Jeffrey Cohen A"H. What an appropriate way to pay tribute to his love for children and passion for music.

We thank all the Hillel PTA women who worked so hard to put this project together with so much love and effort.

Hillel PTA members responsible for this wonderful night include: Sylvia Azoulay, Sara Chrem, Suzi Cohen, Arlette Cohen, Terri Cohen, Marilyn Cohen, Bea Cohen, Stephanie Dweck, Marni Gindi, Elizabeth Mark, Sophia Mizrahi, Lori Rofe, Margie Saka, Liz Sitt, Nicole Shamah, Mollie Seruya and Michelle Zekaria.

This was our first PTA event for the upcoming school year and, judging from its success, we have lots to look forward to. You girls are amazing and I personally enjoyed every minute we worked together!
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Ellen Sutton is the president of the PTA.