Former North Miami Beach Commissioner Barbara Kramer posted this important message on Facebook:
Raise Funds Raise Smiles
Any amount will make a difference.
My good friend Alan Sakowitz is going to Israel to put smiles on the faces of Israelis suffering through tremendous loss and heartache. His original plan was to take five duffle bags full of donated toys and gifts along with a bag filled with his magic tricks to entertain children, soldiers and visit patients in the hospital.
Part of Alan’s plan changed when he was asked to take duffel bags filled with items requested by the IDF such as medical equipment and specific clothing. So now, a better idea has come about, collecting funds and using the money to have someone in Israel purchase the toys, gifts and necessities. This will help stores in Israel and still provide him with gifts, to put smiles on many faces. It will also allow him to aid the IDF, which will be reason enough for him to fly to Israel.
This is a short campaign as Alan departs for Israel on October 25th. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO THIS HEARTFELT CAUSE. ANY AMOUNT WILL MAKE AN IMPACTFUL DIFFERENCE.
You can send money via Zelle to Leah Sakowitz 305-331-2700 or he’ll except cash or check payable to Alan Sakowitz and deliver or mail to 915 NE 173 Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162
How This Came About, by Alan Sakowitz
Recognizing I could not sing or play an instrument, my thought was to visit victims in the hospital and soldiers when they were not in combat and just listen to them and offer any words I could to give them strength. If nothing more, their knowing I flew 6,600 miles to be with them may say everything when there are no words. Then it occurred to me that I could do more. Recently I did a magic show for one of our grandchildren in pre-k, and a teacher informed me that when school was over, a child who is a little difficult commented, “Today was the best day of my life.” Given that, I decided I needed to be a wartime magician capable of bringing laughter to everyone I visit, from displaced families, families with fathers on the Gaza line, victims in the hospital, soldiers, and everyone else I meet.
Over the last few days, preparing to go from being a pre-k magician to a wartime magician, I noticed a big change. My entire life, I had been satisfied with good quality. I never needed more, and I never wanted more. But as I have been selecting professional equipment for my wartime magic backpack that would allow me to be battle-ready to work day and night everywhere I am needed, I found myself only interested in the very best quality and selection for absolutely every situation I will encounter. My preparation is geared to not failing a single person I meet.
I am incredibly grateful to Leah for allowing me to go and for helping me prepare with every detail.
If you would like to help me enhance my effectiveness, please consider donating money I can use to have someone in Israel purchase gifts I can give to children, men, and women. Together we have always made a difference.
Am Israel Chai!
Stephanie
