HAWAIIAN GARDENS – Community members, city officials, family members, students, and friends came together on Sunday, Dec. 1, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the the Hawaiian Gardens Bingo Club.
The bingo club, run by the the Moskowitz Foundation, celebrated the milestone by holding a day of fun, food, and festivities at the bingo club grounds on Norwalk Boulevard. Through the revenues generated from the Bingo Club, the Moskowitz Foundation is able to help people in need, regardless of their race, creed, politics, or religion.
Oren Ben Ezra, chairman of the board for the Moskowitz Foundation, said that it’s a good feeling to give and assist the needy to stand on their own legs.
“It’s really [us who’s] thanking them, the people, for giving us the opportunity to help,” Ezra said.
“Everybody needs some kind of help, big or small. [If] each one of us can do something small for their neighbor, we’re going to be a better community,” he added.
As if it was a testament to the Bingo Club’s positive work in enriching the communities around it (particularly the Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, Bellflower, and Cerritos areas) public officials attended the program on Sunday to show support for the Bingo Club and the Moskowitz Foundation.
Officials who joined the program included LA County Sheriff’s Department chief Lee Baca, Hawaiian Gardens City Mayor Victor Farfan, and Fedde International Studies Academy principal Ricardo Lois.
Lois, who has served the Hawaiian Gardens community for seven years, lauded the foundation for funding the implementation of an education program that is anchored on technology. This program, Lois said, had a positive effect on the educational achievement of his students’ academic achievement.
“It’s given the students the opportunity to explore how modern technology can support collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity, which are key skills for our 21st century learners,” Lois said.
Lois said that the Moskowitz Foundation’s tech-driven initiative allowed the teachers to develop instructional methods to support the 21st century skills through technology.
Lois also pointed out that the Moskowitz Foundation’s philanthropic efforts aren’t focused solely on the Fedde middle school. Rather, the Foundation also gives financial support to other schools like the Ella P. Melbourne Elementary School and the Artesia High School.
Robert Castillo, principal for the Melbourne Elementary School, said that their school and unified school district have been very successful when the community gets together and works in unity.
Castillo said that he has been in talks with the Foundation officials on upgrading the educational technology infrastructure of his Elementary School, in preparation for integrating their curriculum to the ‘common course standards.’
Chief Baca of the Sheriff’s Department said that the Bingo Club is relevant in supporting the community, especially because of the revenues it generates for the city government.
“The community itself is able to acquire some benefit through the revenue paid [sic] to the City of Hawaiian Gardens, and that’s a very positive reality,” Baca said.
“There’s a need for financial stability in local government. And it [the Bingo Club] helps sustain the city,” the chief said.
Baca said that the revenue that the city generates from the Bingo Club allows for more public safety funding, community property development, as well as improvements to public infrastructures – all of which, the chief said, are important for a successful city.
The festivities on Sunday began at 11am, with light breakfast, followed by music from the Fedde Middle School Jazz Band and the Artesia High School Marching Band.
Towards the latter part of the the program, after the speeches, event host Natalie Salazar and Ezra honored three outstanding volunteers who have worked at the Bingo Club since its humble beginnings.
Luis Soto, Hortensia Varela, and Rick Wilcox were each given trophies, commemorative sheriff’s badges, and Bingo Club jackets in honor of their 25 years of loyal volunteer service to the club.
State Senator Ronald S. Calderon, in spite of not being able to attend the gathering, sent his warmest greetings to the Bingo Club and Hawaiian Gardens community. Calderon issued a State Senate proclamation commending the 25th anniversary of the Bingo Club.
Aside from Calderon, other community officials also sent their warm regards to the Moskowitz Foundation and the Bingo Club, including LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, and the Cerritos City Council.
Foundation matron Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz was unfortunately unable to attend the program, but however arrived at the Bingo Club grounds minutes after the program concluded. According to Bingo Club officials, Moskowitz was met with delays at the airport due to unforeseen circumstances.
Nevertheless, Mrs. Moskowitz expressed her happiness on the community coming together for the anniversary.
“We feel like we’re part of the community, and we have been for a long time. We’re very comfortable here,” Mrs. Moskowitz said.
“For 25 years, we’ve been part of this, and it’s a very friendly, good relationship.”
Mrs. Moskowitz also said that through their philanthropic efforts, the Bingo Club and the foundation has remained as a positive influence on the city and its residents.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek December 4-6, 2013 Sec A pg.5)
