You're probably curious- what big victory is being addressed in the title of this post? I'll just cut to the chase... NCSY GIVE BEAT NCSY MICHLELET IN OUR ANNUAL BASKETBALL GAME!!! This was a HUGE moment for NCSY GIVE as this is the first year in history that we have won!

Our team was led by Yael Mashiach (Chicago), Esti Prero (Chicago), Rivka Abbe (NYC), Marissa Pollack (NY) and Dara Zuckerman (OH), but everyone who played contributed to our success. Aside from not having the home court advantage, our GIVErs had also never played basketball together before. But just as has consistently served true in every setting on GIVE, the group found a way to work together so beautifully and led us to a long awaited victory. As the whistle blew, we RUSHED the floor and cheered with endless achdus, unity, and pride! Way to go, GIVE! 

Backtracking a bit... earlier in the morning we arranged, planned and hosted a carnival for over 40 children from Sderot. As these children live under such strenuous circumstances each day, it was a much appreciated break for them to come and play games, laugh and get out a bit. Some of the highlights of the carnival included tye-dying NCSY GIVE bandanas (which the children took home as souvenirs), shave the balloon, sponge in the face (thank you to those brave GIVErs who volunteered for this job), face painting, and of course, our consistently busy manicure station. All throughout we had girls dressed as clowns making balloon animals and music, singing and crazy dancing to keep the energy high. Our special guest visitors included David Cutler, Director of NCSY Summer Programs, Vivian Luchins, Chair of NCSY Summer Programs and Isabelle Novack, Chair of Ben Zakkai. 

Let's just say, it was a GREAT day.