The laughter was nonstop as Chai Lifeline welcomed Camp Simcha alumni and friends to A Night of Simcha, an unforgettable evening of comedy, camaraderie, and reunion.
Hosted on Thursday, June 25, at the Atlantic Beach, NY, home of Bari and Dani Erber, the event brought together more than 200 members of the Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha alumni community for dinner, conversation, and performances by comedians Eli Leibowitz and Dovi Neuberger. The evening was filled with laughter, shared memories, and the unmistakable energy that has made Camp Simcha a second home for so many.
More than just a night out, the event offered alumni the chance to reconnect with old friends, reflect on their Camp Simcha experiences, and create new memories together.
“This evening is a reflection of what Chai Lifeline is all about,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Whether it’s during a child’s illness, at Camp Simcha, or years later as alumni reconnect, our goal is to build lasting relationships that remind every family they are never alone. It’s inspiring to see these friendships continue to flourish long after camp has ended.”
“Camp Simcha has always been about so much more than the summers we spend together,” said Alumni Director Eli Skaist. “It’s where lifelong friendships begin and where people discover they’re part of something much bigger than themselves. Seeing alumni come back together, years later, laughing like no time has passed, is incredibly meaningful and a reminder that the Camp Simcha family is forever.”
Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised overnight summer program, gives children and teens living with serious illness the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp in a safe, supportive environment. For many campers, volunteers, and staff, those shared experiences become lifelong friendships that continue well beyond the camp season.
The event was organized by a dedicated volunteer committee including Dani and Bari Erber, Menachem Dicker, Noa Hacker, Chaya Sara (Shippel) Gaizel, Pessy Lesser, Bruce Greenberg, Goldie Dicker, Tzivi Dunn, and Dovid Neuman, whose efforts helped create a memorable evening for the Camp Simcha alumni community.
For more information about Chai Lifeline and its programs, visit www.chailifeline.org.
