Recent report underscores need for Social Service Programs of the Israel Tennis & Education Centers
New York, NY January 15, 2014
In response to an alarming report on the explosive growth of poverty among Israel’s child population, the Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation (ITEC) announced its first quarter 2014 schedule of special fundraising exhibitions in Florida and California. “Empowering Israel’s Children…Beyond Tennis” is the goal of the ITEC’s efforts to raise awareness and funds to support the 20,000+ children who rely on the ITEC’s social impact programs each year.
The National Insurance Institute’s annual poverty study reported more than 1.75 million poor people in Israel, among them over 800,000 children, or about one-third of all Israeli children. No social service organization in Israel understands this more than the Israel Tennis & Education Centers, whose mission since its first center opened nearly 4 decades ago is to improve the lives of disadvantaged Israeli children of all backgrounds, providing them with essential life skills to achieve the best of their abilities.
“This report points to the fact that the needs of our young people are very serious and cannot be ignored,” said Benjamin Beiler, President of the Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation. “It is a real call-to-action to support the ITEC and help expand our reach to as many children as possible.”
ITEC programs go far beyond helping children become better tennis players. The real focus is becoming better human beings. Through its social impact programs, a wide range of children are served, including youth at risk, immigrants and children with special needs, from autism and ADHD to Down Syndrome as well as those with developmental and physical disabilities. Tennis has the unparalleled ability to bring together children from different religions in coexistence programs, promoting understanding, cooperation and friendship on and off the court.
To support these important initiatives, the ITEC has scheduled a record number of events in the months of February and March:
Beverly Hills, CA February 22nd
Encino, CA February 23rd
Palm Springs, CA February 24th
Boca Raton, FL February 26th
Palm Beach, FL February 27th
Pompano Beach, FL March 3rd
Boca Raton, FL March 3rd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL March 4th
Delray Beach, FL March 5th
Boca Raton, FL March 6th
Palm Beach Gardens, FL March 7th
Coral Gables, FL March 8th
Naples, FL March 9th
Longboat Key, FL March 11th
A diverse team of Israeli players and coaches will be flying to the U.S. to play in exhibitions and share their stories about the impact the ITEC has had on their lives. Among them will be 16-year-old Moty, who plays at the ITEC – Jaffa. Moty’s mother is a hard-working music teacher who can only afford to live in Jaffa D’, one of the toughest areas in South Tel Aviv. Coming from a disadvantaged neighborhood, like so many of the children enrolled at the ITEC’s 14 centers throughout Israel, she needed a safe, warm and loving place for her son to spend his time after school. Enter the Israel Tennis & Education Centers, located only a couple of blocks from their home, where Moty learns the importance of discipline, self-confidence and perseverance, enabling him to grow into a responsible and productive member of his community.
“These events will really give all those who attend a chance to hear some incredibly inspiring stories from the kids themselves,” said Jacqueline Glodstein, ITEC’s Vice President of Development. “They will put into perspective the importance of supporting them every way we can not only for their sake, but for the whole of Israel.”
About the Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation:
The Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation (ITEC) is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization that has worked since 1976 to help Israeli youth develop life skills through the medium of sport. The ITEC serves over 20,000 children annually, many of them from disadvantaged neighborhoods or outlying development towns throughout Israel. The ITEC’s 14 centers stretch from Kiryat Shmona on the Lebanese border in the North to Beer Sheva bordering the Negev Desert in the South. https://itecenters.wpengine.com.
Contacts:
Jacqueline S. Glodstein
Vice President, Global Development
646-884-7450
jglodstein@itecenter.wpengine.com