New Bus with Donor’s Help

Miriam “Mimi” Kassel recently helped residents of the Jewish Home at Rockleigh achieve a long-time goal. On September 1st, Mimi presented members of the Resident Council with a generous check which, when combined with funds raised by the residents, enabled the facility to purchase an additional bus. This bus will be used by residents to attend community events and shopping expeditions. Over the past two years, JHR’s residents have raised funds at various functions, including the Holiday Crafts Fair, Mothers’ Day Plant Sale, and a number of raffle campaigns, saving the money for this particular goal. They raised more than $47,000 – contributions from the Bus Fund (including community members’ donations) and the Residents’ Fund.

The residents then decided on which options they needed in their 14 passenger vehicle, with lift and lockdown capacity. They chose a four lockdown capacity with extra-cushioned suspension for their white bus, with the Jewish Home logo in gold and green. “This has been a tremendous effort on the part of our residents,” said Chuck Berkowitz, JHR’s Executive Vice President. “With Mimi’s help we also have upkeep for the bus for a year,” he explained. The total cost of purchasing a vehicle is $56,000 while the cost of operating the vehicle including driver, gas and maintenance is $41,000 annually.

Mrs. Kassel decided to contribute to the bus purchase after attending a Family Council meeting where Sandra Gold, JHR’s President, talked about various projects that needed funding. “My brother and sister-in-law are residents at JHR and I felt it was something I wanted to do. I’m really happy this place exists. I don’t know what I would have done without it for my family. I’ve always felt that you should give something back,” she said. In addition to her contribution to JHR, Mrs. Kassel has volunteered in the Emergency Room at Englewood Hospital for the past 25 years.

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