Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky eyed the massive crowd and delivered a strong message about overcoming challenges, seizing new opportunities and creating positive change.
“We can do this all together,” said the co-creator of Friendship Circle of Washington 20 years ago with his wife, Esther Bogomilsky.
With 500 attendees looking on, the rabbi’s vital words drew thunderous applause during the organization’s 19th Annual Heroes Gala — “Friendship Takes Flight” — on May 22 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.
The event included 85 teens and their buddies that they’ve connected with at Friendship Circle of Washington, which fosters lasting friendships that make a difference for children and teens with special needs and typically developing teens, according to its website. The organization is headquartered on Mercer Island and serves the King County region.
Along with several uplifting speeches and videos and a pair of award presentations, the event featured dinner, live and silent auctions and organizers placed the night’s focus on honoring, celebrating and supporting friendship and the power of compassion and inclusion. Nearly $700,000 and counting was raised for the organization at press time.
While discussing the crucial role of the teen heroes at Friendship Circle, Esther Bogomilsky addressed the teens in the crowd: “Each of you being here tonight single-handedly creates more light, and you are a beacon of kindness, an ambassador of goodness. I cannot thank you enough.”
Mercer Island’s Mezistrano family received the Friendship Circle honoree family award for their robust volunteerism over the years and Dan, Levi, Joel, Hoda and Avi stepped up to the podium with beaming smiles as the crowd matched their excitement.
“Joel mentioned our incredible family, community and support system. Look around the room, the Friendship Circle is an extension of that same support system,” Hoda began while referring to her husband’s speech. “(It’s) an organization dedicated to acceptance and inclusion. To arrive at a Sunday Circle program and witness a room full of warmth, positivity and connection is truly amazing.”
Next up in the honors realm, Tami Rudnick Rabin presented the Michael Rabin Excellence in Achievement Award to Mercer Islanders Parker Friedman and her buddy and best friend Angie Ivanov.
Friedman said that Ivanov radiates positivity when they’re together and has taught her about the importance of empathy, patience and kindness.
When asked about the favorite part of their friendship through the Friends at Home program, Ivanov enthusiastically said, “That would be hanging out together every Wednesday/Thursday at my house doing puzzles and playing Pokémon GO.”
Following a “Friendship Takes Flight” video, Irit Shechtmann thanked her son Yonanatan’s buddies and expressed gratitude to the Bogomilskys for always being there for them and for building a meaningful friendship.
On the Friendship Circle leadership front, Alyssa Boden, Marina Prossin and CeCe Bensussen spoke about how the organization has impacted them over the years.
Bensussen shared a part of her invaluable experience: “I have cultivated so many lifelong friendships by being involved in this organization. One specifically is my friend Taylor. I instantly connected with him and his family. Whether it’s piggyback rides or getting pushed around on a scooter at the gym at Sunday Circle, it has been so incredible watching him open up and become more involved in the community.”
For more information, visit www.friendshipcirclewa.org.
Rabbi Elazar and Esther Bogomilsky flank the Mezistranos, the Friendship Circle honoree family for their robust volunteerism over the years: Dan, Levi, Joel, Hoda and Avi. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
Mercer Island’s Tyler Bienstock voices his senior reflection to the crowd as his fellow 2024 Friendship Circle graduates stand behind him. Mia Haslam also gave a senior reflection speech. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
