This year’s Shalom Task Force’s Spin to Win Ping Pong Tournament and Barbecue was a massive success, attended by over 200 players and spectators, but it was the event that almost wasn’t. “Waking up on July 6 and looking at the weather, we weren’t sure if we would be able to hold our event,” said Dr. Shana Frydman, Executive Director of Shalom Task Force. “Within two hours, our incredible event chairs had moved our event into a new indoor venue and made all the necessary accommodations to ensure the event can happen. It was truly incredible to see!”
As the rain poured outside, inside, the night was filled with fierce competition, a lavish barbecue catered by Graze Smokehouse, and a riveting program.
Teams of three battled it out to take home the elusive Spin to Win Trophy. This year, returning 2019 champs Shimon Melool, Ariel Melool, and Aharon Melool defended their title against David Blum, Yehuda Konig, and David Jesselson in the championship match.
Shalom Task Force premiered their newest video, “Looking Back, Looking Forward: Our Work During The Pandemic,” during the event (now available to watch at shalomtaskforce.org/video). The video reviewed the milestones that each department reached during the pandemic, including:
Expanding our hotline to include texting, WhatsApp, and Web-based chat. Overall, our chatline has helped over 600 chatters since launching in August 2020.
Sarah’s Voice Legal Department has seen an 87% increase in intakes since March 2020.
The Shalom Task Force Education Department has reached over 17,000 community members since the beginning of the pandemic.
Dr. Frydman ended the video by sharing: “While the crisis is over, the needs of survivors of domestic violence is not over. There is more we need to respond to. Together, we can continue to build safe relationships, healthy families, and a supportive community.”
Thank you to our event chairs Sarah & Ian Boczko, Daniella & Elisha Graff, and Bailey & Brian Sigman for making the event a reality. An extra thank you to the Boczkos for being our original hosts for the event. Thank you to KolSave for sponsoring the beverages for the event.
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Shalom Task Force has been offering support and education to the Jewish community for the last 29 years. If you or your loved one has questions or concerns about relationships or are currently in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, we are here for you. Please call, text, or WhatsApp the confidential Shalom Task Force Hotline at 888-883-2323 or chat with a live advocate at www.shalomtaskforce.org.
