Tzedakah business was booming this Sunday at Zichron Shlome’s long-awaited Chinese Auction, at Ateres Golda in Boro Park. Despite the recession and the frigid temperatures, the event drew record breaking crowds; as the community rallied in support of Zichron Shlome Refuah Fund. The overwhelming turnout was heartening. It demonstrated the community’s great regard for an organization known and respected for its stellar work on behalf of cancer patients and their families.

As one speaker noted,” Zichron Shlome doesn’t have an agenda. They do their work for one reason only – to ease people’s suffering.” The Chinese Auction gave people the opportunity to support this remarkable organization. The auction also gave Zichron Shlome an opportunity to give back to the community, by making a phenomenal something-for-everyone event.

Big crowds flocked to the auction in the afternoon, where the first-ever Food Fest offered food, fun, and fantastic giveaways. Blue Dish Restaurant, China Glatt, Mitzvah Kinder, and other vendors churned out an endless supply of refreshments, toys, and more to delighted kids and adults. Later, teens and women joined singer Bracha Jaffee for two hours of song and dance. In the evening, attendees enjoyed a lineup of honorees, speakers, and entertainment.

Throughout the event, participants viewed creative “museum exhibits” of Zichron Shlome’s activities, and magnificently displayed prizes; set up by Ruchy Waldman of R Events, who volunteered her services.

In one of the highlights of the evening, Dr. Olitsa Roth, beloved pediatrician, her daughter, Dr. Diana Roth, OB/GYN and her son Dr. Daniel Roth, were greeted with thunderous applause, as they stepped to the dais to accept the Zichron Shlome Humanitarian Award. The audience also applauded Mrs. Bruchie Fishman, recipient of the Hakoras Hatov Award and Mrs. Devorah Heller, Volunteer of the Year. The evening was dedicated by Sharon Lichtenthal in memory of dear family members. She spoke warmly about them and in support of Zichron Shlome Refuah Fund.

Mrs. Raizy Zeigler, founder of Zichron Shlome, spoke about her son, Shlome, who lost his battle against cancer, and requested that his parents do something in his name. She described Zichron Shlome’s untiring work, and the critical difference it makes in cancer patients and their families’ lives. That message was repeated countless times throughout the evening.

Guests were enthralled and inspired by Devorah Schwartzbaum Goldstein, protagonist of the famous book, The Bamboo Cradle. The audience was mesmerized as Devorah unfolded her amazing life story, up to today.

The evening featured a personal story by a relative of a cancer victim, continued with a touching video by Baila Brach and Chaya Nechama Weinberg, and concluded with magnificent singing by Haddasah Davids. The excitement mounted as the grand raffle and all the great prizes were drawn.

Zichron Shlome is deeply grateful to all the exceptional volunteers, loyal participants, and very generous vendors who made this auction possible. Their support will allow ZSRF to continue helping ease the pain of cancer patients with financial support for medical expenses, airfare, wigs, and much more.

Please send your generous donations to Zichron Shlome Refuah Fund 1319 51st Street Brooklyn 11219, 718-GET-WELL, www.zsrf.org.