On Monday 25 November, over 200 people enjoyed a day of bridge whilst raising over £140,000 for Jewish Care. The 23rd annual Bridge Extravaganza, which took place at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, was organised by the Bridge Extravaganza Committee, who have raised over £1.9million for Jewish Care to date.
They have helped to fund the running costs of Jewish Care buses that collect older, isolated members of the community from their homes and take them to Jewish Care’s day centres, where they can engage in a range of meaningful, sociable activities and enjoy a hot kosher meal.
The funds also sponsor the annual Card Day for residents and members from Jewish Care homes and community centres, where they are joined by members of the Bridge Extravaganza committee. This year, celebrating her 91st birthday at the Bridge Extravaganza was Jewish Care volunteer and keen bridge player, Mavis Hallegua. Mavis also volunteers to make up a game of bridge with members of Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Community Centre in Golders Green.
The overall winners of the Bridge Extravaganza day’s Sarah and Arnold Morris Trophy were Rhonda and Richard Collins.
Speaking after the event, Joint Chairs of the Committee, Patsy Bloom and Susie James, said, “This was another fantastic Bridge Extravaganza event, and we would like to thank all of our guests for their generous donations and for making our 23rd event so enjoyable.
“We are pleased that the funds raised will help to fund for thousands more care bus journeys for older, isolated people. We look forward to seeing the residents and members again at the Jewish Care Card Day, which we are delighted to say has become now an annual event in the calendar.”
Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, Adam Overlander-Kaye, added, “I would like to express our gratitude to Patsy Bloom, Susie James and all of the Bridge Extravaganza Committee who have worked tirelessly for 23 years to raise vital funds for Jewish Care buses. We know that 90% of our community centre members live alone and can be isolated. Attending a Jewish Care community centre can have enormous benefits on members’ health and wellbeing. This is made possible by the Care buses that collect them from their home and take them to a centre where they can enjoy socialising, engaging activities and hot kosher meals.”