On Monday, December 8, Boulevard ALP celebrated a momentous occasion long anticipated by its residents. The event was hosted by Mrs. Lisa Steinberg, Director of Case Management/Administrator at Boulevard ALP, and Mrs. Linda Spiegel, Director of Community Affairs at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Fifteen years ago, Lisa Steinberg found a five-gallon glass water jar, which she placed in her office with the intention of giving the residents an opportunity to be givers. The jar became a place for residents to contribute donations to Hatzalah.
The December 8 event marked the celebration of that very jar finally being filled to the top.
Residents of Boulevard ALP gathered in the lobby, smiling proudly as the glass jug – now brimming with donations – sat prominently displayed on a large table.
Sam Horowitz, Administrator at Boulevard ALP, greeted everyone and shared that he has been a Hatzalah volunteer for the past 16 years, noting what an honor it was to host this special event. The residents had been looking forward to this moment for a long time.
Although Lisa Steinberg was unable to attend in person, she felt strongly about not rescheduling. Mr. Horowitz read her heartfelt message to the crowd. She wrote that each coin and each donation represented gratitude and a desire to support Hatzalah. The residents have witnessed firsthand the warmth and sensitivity of Hatzalah members and wished to show their appreciation. “It’s an organization that has so much dedication to our community,” she shared. “This collection is our way of showing how grateful we truly are.”
Mr. Horowitz also noted that Mrs. Lili Friedman, a Boulevard resident, had previously donated a Hatzalah ambulance. The Queens Jewish Link featured an article about her donation, which subsequently inspired another community member to donate an ambulance as well.
Next, Rabbi Daniel Pollack, Jewish Liaison to Congresswoman Grace Meng, thanked Mrs. Linda Teicher, a Boulevard Alp resident, for spearheading this event. He shared that he personally experienced Hatzalah’s incredible care. His mother, Mrs. Blanche Pollack a”h, had been a resident at Boulevard ALP. Thanks to Lisa Steinberg, he remembers his mother dropping money into this very bottle. “It’s quite amazing to witness this beautiful gift that was 15 years in the making,” he said. “Chanukah is a time of gratitude. This jar, filled with money, represents appreciation for Hatzalah, for the staff here, and for everyone who takes care of us.” He concluded warmly: “Mazal tov to our residents and staff! I’m happy to be here for a simchah.”
Mr. Yaakov Serle, Publisher of the Queens Jewish Link, then addressed the crowd. “Thank you for inviting me to this event,” he said. He expressed appreciation to Mrs. Lili Friedman for her earlier contribution of a Hatzalah ambulance, and to Mr. Sam Horowitz, Lisa Steinberg, Elinore, and all the residents. Looking around at the smiling faces, he added, “You should all receive a standing ovation for donating to an organization that does so much for our community.”
Next, Linda Spiegel shared that she grew up in the Kew Gardens Hills community and knows some of the Boulevard ALP residents from their time at Margaret Tietz. “This is an amazing event!” she said.
Finally, Mrs. Linda Teicher spoke. “Hatzalah came to my needs,” she said emotionally. “Thank you that I’m here, standing on my own two feet, and seeing all of you wonderful people. We should have simchos!” She thanked her son for encouraging and helping her in this meaningful endeavor, and she expressed deep appreciation for the outstanding staff at Boulevard ALP and for Lisa Steinberg.
It was a beautiful celebration of giving – one that may inspire similar tz’dakah projects in other communities.
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Author’s Note: I would like to personally thank Lisa Steinberg and the amazing, caring staff at Boulevard for all they did for my mother when she lived there. Thank you!
Call 877-295-3747 for more information about Boulevard ALP.
By Susie Garber
