The
Friedberg JCC became a vibrant stage for advocacy and inclusion on April 3 at the annual Red Carpet Talent Show hosted by the Special Advocacy Coalition. The event is the fifth annual Red Carpet celebration which has grown significantly this year, with nearly 100 attendees this year. The event honors volunteers with special needs, showcasing the talents and achievements of individuals with disabilities while raising funds for the Special Advocacy Coalition, which is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.
SPEAC’s founder and president, Ashley Gazes, took center stage with excitement and gratitude.
“Tonight, we celebrate the incredible achievements and milestones we’ve reached together,” Gazes said, addressing the audience.
Former state assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, a longtime mentor of Gazes and ardent supporter of the special needs community, attended the event and delivered an impassioned speech.
“People are the most important thing on this earth,” he emphasized, urging the audience to embrace values of love, kindness, and respect. “The JCC is helping people to be able to get jobs, education, love and care.”
Weisenberg commended the JCC’s continuous efforts in fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to be independent, engaged, and joyful.
“That’s a value that is the JCC,” he said. “Whether it’s swimming, physical fitness, or the other opportunities to meet happy, good people. People leading people make a great community, and that’s why the JCC is so important in Oceanside.”
Weiseberg emphasized the importance of vocational training centers like Harvey’s Café, which is named in honor of the former Assemblyman and
opened in October at the JCC as a vocational training café for adults with special needs. Here, interns receive hands-on training in meal preparation, customer service, and inventory management, ultimately paving the way for future employment opportunities.
“We’re learning about food handling, how to manage money, how to talk to customers,” said Cafe manager Peter Lora. Lora has been with the JCC for nearly three years running painting classes and has helped grow the vocational skills of special needs adults.
“It’s giving people a place to go, helping special needs individuals understand how to be professional in a professional setting and how to handle service.”
Andrea Ahearne, Senior Program Officer of Early Childhood, took the stage to honor the graduates of a five-week child care certification program developed in partnership with the Child Care Council of Nassau County.
Graduates were celebrated with a standing ovation as their names were called. As the night unfolded, the stage came alive with a dazzling lineup of performances. This year’s roster featured a vibrant mix of music, spoken word, dance, and heartfelt expression.
Catherine Schexnayder opened with a rendition of a John Denver classic, drawing cheers for her clear vocals and genuine emotion. Alyssa Rosenblum followed with performed solo under her own creation of Japanese dance she called Ronkio. Jeff Metviner, a SPEAC board member, wrapped up the first segment with a witty monologue that had the audience laughing. Hope Lefstein kicked off the second half with an energizing tribute to the muppets. Ariana Nyanin showcased her vocal skills, singing Happier by Bastille and Marshmello and Ian Schoenberg closed out the talent portion with a musical performance of “If I Were a Rich Man.”
Gazes returned to the stage to remind everyone that the evening was also about celebration and fun. With raffle prizes adding an element of excitement. Through initiatives such as SPEAC’s talent shows, vocational training programs, and early childhood education courses, the Friedberg JCC continues to pave the way for inclusivity.
“I think we need to connect with more policy makers, to make sure that they’re doing the right thing and to get more involved in advocacy,” Gazes said.
