The Sephardic Food Fund recently had their annual Breakfast Parlor Meeting at the home of Betty and Joe Sitt. The event was planned well in advance. There were concerns about rain in the forecast during the days leading up to the meeting, but thank G-d, except for a few clouds, it turned out to be a beautiful day.

Attendance was strong with over 200 community members showing up to support the organization and their fine work. The program, which was scheduled to start at 10 am and last for only a half-hour, was well under way before 10:30.

Seating was set up along the spectacular Jersey shoreline and everyone enjoyed a delicious outdoor breakfast.
The event began with Harry Adjmi quieting the crowd and directing their attention to SFF President, David E. Sitt, whom he introduced.

Sitt thanked everyone for coming, Betty and Joe for opening up their home and the Food Fund volunteers and organizers responsible for making the event possible. He then directed everyone’s attention to the monitors, showing the first of what were to be three brief videos.

Video one, which included three young SFF volunteers, depicted the story and struggles of an older community man. An anonymous letter from the man to the Food Fund was read, describing his situation.

When the video ended and all eyes and ears were back on Sitt, he described how he and his family had a long-standing and separate association with the writer of the letter, and gave his own view of how poverty and circumstance can act to create harsh situations.

Two other examples were given to show how misfortune has permeated what had, at one time, been mainstream community members living mainstream lifestyles. A video showing 10 popular food stores, 10 grocery items, and the prices of each was shown; The simple truths contained in it seemed to shock much of the audience.

A third video, featuring a dozen or so contributors providing testimonials and discussing the attributes of this now six-year-old organization, appeared to fill the crowd with some enthusiasm and a sense of hope, and allowed the presentation to end on a high and uplifting note.

Attendees exhibited the great levels of kindness and generosity our community is so well known and regarded for, coming forward with meaningful pledges and donations which will allow this organization to continue its wonderful work.

The Sephardic Food Fund discreetly identifies members of the community who are in need, and even more discreetly provides them with credit cards that enable them to shop without shame at all supermarkets, butchers, bakers and fruit stores.