STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos from the The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island’s annual Bocce & Pickleball Tournament from Sept. 10.
The day kicked off with spirited open-play pickleball, a new addition to the event that allowed participants of all skill levels to engage in friendly competition. The vital funds raised benefit the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island.
“We just finished up another amazing summer at Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, where we welcomed a record number of campers,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC.
“We are grateful to our chairs, sponsors, players, and honorees for making this year’s tournament our most successful to date, and for helping to fund this incredible program for children with cancer and their siblings,” she added.
As the afternoon wore on, the action shifted to the outdoor bocce courts, where teams squared off in a lively and competitive tournament.
The winning team, consisting of Paul M. Hamel, Solomon Chemo, and Russell Derector, claimed the championship title in an exciting final match.
The event was co-chaired by Solomon Chemo, Cory Schifter, Brian Lincer, and Lina Fang, who worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
During the tournament, the JCC took a moment to honor several key supporters of Sunrise Day Camp. Paul M. Hamel, Rhonda Ruggiero, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Business Guild III were all recognized for their ongoing commitment to the camp and its mission.
All proceeds from the event benefited the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, a unique, free-of-charge camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
Operated by the JCC, Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is part of the Sunrise Association, which provides a safe and joyful environment for children battling cancer to experience the fun and camaraderie of a traditional summer camp.
The camp, the only one of its kind in New York City, serves more than 170 children each year, including those from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and nearby New Jersey.
Located on the picturesque campus of Staten Island Academy, the camp offers a range of activities, from swimming and sports to arts and crafts, designed to bring the joys of childhood back to these children.
Sunrise Day Camp operates free of charge, recognizing the significant financial strain that a child’s illness can place on a family.