And the Winners Are…

Posted on January 20, 2011

It’s mid-January and that can only mean one thing…we’re ready to announce our 2010 Bnai Mitzvah Video Essay Contest winners.  This year we had entries submitted to us from California to Florida, Maryland to Massachusetts.  There are innovative and unique projects going on all over the country and we hope you take the opportunity to learn about a few and get involved.  We thank all those who entered this contest and wish a hearty congratulations to the winners listed below.

Eric Greenberg Goldy – New York, NY
“PCF Strike Out Pediatric Cancer Bowlathon” 
Grand Prize Winner

For his Bar Mitzvah project, Eric developed his own bowlathon fundraiser to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  Eric’s bowlathon is now an annual event taking place each November.  This past year he, his friends, family and corporate sponsors raised over $80,000 for this important cause.

Samuel Kalnitz – Atlanta, GA
“Mitzvah Bars” Project
2nd Place Winner

Samuel developed a chocolate bar, wrapper and website to sell his “Mitzvah Bars” and raise funds for the ML4 Foundation and Camp Yofi, a camp that serves children with Autism.  His project was so successful, Samuel’s “Mitzvah Bars” found their way all the way to Detroit, MI and even San Francisco, CA.

Joshua Pattiz – Agoura, CA
“Josh’s Mitzvah Project for Heifer International”
3rd Place Winner

In trying to think of the best mitzvah project, Joshua thought outside the box and internationally.  He decided to support Heifer International, an organization that provides microloans and animals to help individuals and families in economic suffering countries to help them become self sufficient.  Those who are helped by Heifer International then have to pass on some of what they were given to help others become self sufficient as well.

Mike Sabath – Katonah, NY
“Hand in Hand”
Honorable Mention

Mike took his gift of and love for music and turned it into his Bar Mitzvah project.  He wrote and composed a song called “Hand in Hand” which he sang with 140 student volunteers.  The song is being sold on Mike’s website and iTunes, with all of the proceeds benefiting two organizations, Ability Beyond Disability and the Special Olympics.

Jordana Wise – Hollis Hills, NY
“Jordana’s Bat Mitzvah Project”
Honorable Mention

For her Bat Mitzvah project, Jordana decided that one project just wouldn’t be enough…so she came up with four.  On the day of her Bat Mitzvah celebration she and her family and friends each participated in one of four hands-on projects benefiting a variety of organizations locally, nationally and in Israel including Habitat for Humanity and the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

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