I feel that CBB remains uniquely positioned to continue to carry out its mission - and I feel very confident that our incoming president, executives and board of directors are committed to finding new and innovative means to keep CBB on the cutting edge of the camping experience.

I am most proud, to stand before you and tell you that in this difficult financial climate, camp’s mission was again met - as no child or senior citizen who required financial assistance was denied the opportunity to participate in a Jewish camping experience.
In spite of the inclement weather, our campers were treated to amazing activities and exposed to a staff that was not only dedicated but very caring and sensitive to the diverse needs of our camper population.

As part of the Gen J initiative, I am delighted to inform you that camp opened it’s doors to 86 new campers who had never attended a Jewish camp before. As a result of this program we provided these children an opportunity to develop a sense of their Jewish identity and community. We hope that many of them will continue on a journey of exploring their Jewish heritage and developing a sense of pride in its accomplishments.

As I present you with this past season’s statistics, it illustrates the impact camp had on so many members of our community.

Clearly one can see from the above statistics the diverse group of people Camp B’nai Brith serves. It is also apparent that camp’s connection to Israel is very strong. Not only did camp host campers and staff from Israel but our S.I.T.’s were engaged in a unique and dynamic leadership program in Israel.

As I pay tribute to a very special group of people tonight I realize how fortunate the Jewish community is to have such a large number of volunteers who give of themselves so that our children and senior citizens may enjoy a Jewish camp experience.

For many of us, camp is our passion, one that not only enriches our lives, but also adds meaning, purpose and quality to the lives of others. It is precisely for these reasons that we work so diligently to be able to raise the funds to give so many the “Gift of Summer”. An event like this does not happen – but takes a huge commitment by a very dedicated group of volunteers.

Our 2009 “Gift of Summer Gala” at the Montreal Science Centers’ Belvedere Room was a truly special evening as well as a great success. Special thanks are extended to our co- chairs Elaine Mintz and Richard Rubin for their tireless efforts in organizing this extraordinary event. They led by example and helped us to fulfill our promise to our campers and seniors.

We need to recognize the chairs of all the committees for their hard work: Suzie Shaffer for her fantastic and record setting ad book; sponsor co-chairs Gail Adelson Marcovitz, Marvin Libman and Steven Wexelman together with their team who managed to retain the number of “Gift of summer” gifts from last year in the most difficult economic conditions we have had in a long time.

Our corporate sponsor chair and incoming president Joey Berdugo Adler who retained our existing corporate sponsors as well as adding numerous new ones.

Our auction co-chairs Matthew Poplaw and Cindy Naimer spearheaded a live and silent auction that surpassed all expectations. Our décor co chairs, Anna –Sue Greenberg Wiltzer and Harry Kloda who transformed an empty ballroom into an extraordinary experience that continues to be the talk of the town. Our bunkmate’s chair, Bram Backler with the assistance of veteran Fran Brenhouse managed to fill our program book with hundreds of names. We also need to thank our auctioneer extraordinaire, Ross Paperman who is always there to support Camp.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Camp B’nai Brith we would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of Federation CJA who continue to support and understand the mission, meaning and importance of Camp.

At this time I would also like to express my gratitude to all the past presidents for their support and sage advice. Your advice and availability has been invaluable to me. I would like to thank an executive team who has all worked tirelessly in helping to make CBB a better place. I would like to recognize Gail Adelson Marcovitz; Allan Wiltzer, Robert Joseph; Sandra Gutherz; Steven Wexelman; Gwenn Garonce and Jonathan Levine for their continued support and guidance as well. You can rest assured that each and every member of the Board of Directors remains fully committed to carry forward the mission of camp. I also want to take a moment to wish Joey Berdugo Adler much luck and to let her know that she has a great support team behind her.

My sincerest appreciation goes out to the entire C.B.B. team of Tara Kaufman, Yakov Galperin, Corrie Sirota - Frankel, Roselyn Blacker, Freda Hirsh , Angela Braginsky , and our latest additions Rimma Grempel and Wendy Segal for all their hard work and continued dedication to our organization. The key to Camp B’nai Brith’s success has always been expressed in one word – teamwork. We have been blessed with individuals at the camp, office and board levels who believe that by working together incredible things happen.

I would be remiss in not singling out an individual who works tirelessly on behalf of CBB – and who in fact embodies all that CBB stands for. It would have been absolutely impossible for me to have fulfilled my role as President without the support, guidance and friendship of Frank Weinstein.

I would like to conclude this report with a special thank you to my wife Benita and my sons Jamie, Bryan, Eric and Jonathon who have been my source of strength and inspiration. I would like to thank you for your understanding, patience and support.

There were many challenges we had to face these last two years, and I am extremely proud to say that we met those challenges with dignity and success. As we enter our 90th camping season I am comforted by the fact that I will be ending my presidency with an outstanding team in place and a most amazing camping season behind us. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2010.

A Yasher Koach to everyone!