Helping special-needs children

Donation funds summer camp at Plantation-based Soref JCC

One hundred children with special needs will keep attending summer camp at the Soref Jewish Community Center thanks to a donation from the Knights of Pythias.

“Through the tireless efforts of this incredible group over the past eight years, special-needs children have been able to attend both day camp and sleep-away camp with the Soref JCC,” said Donald Graw, the JCC’s executive director.

The JCC operates three summer camps: one on its main campus in Plantation and two others in Coral Springs.

The relationship between the organizations was sparked by Broward County Judge Alan Marks, a Pythian member in Tamarac and past president of the JCC.

“It is important for us to serve the needs of special-needs children. Everyone benefits from the children who have the opportunity of experiencing summer camp,” Marks said. “… What is impressive is that the special-needs children are not viewed by others as children with special needs, but just as children. The summer camp programs are excellent, and every child is welcomed by the JCC.”

“Alan is highly respected by everyone in the lodge. He informed us of the Soref JCC camps for special-needs children, and everybody loved the idea back in 2007, so we are happy to continue fund- ing the camps,” said Jerry Kalinsky, past deputy grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1864 and known for its charitable works.

“It is most enjoyable to get together, socialize and do charitable deeds for the good of the community,” Kalinsky said.

For more information, call 954792-6700 or go to Sorefjcc.org.