Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007 - 2nd Annual Art for Israel

Far from the celebrity-driven fundraisers and benefits that dominate the East End's charitable scene, Art for Israel, a grassroots operation to benefit Magen David Adom (Israel's emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service), began last summer when two mothers decided it was time to make a difference. "There was a war going on, there was a crisis [in Israel]. We just couldn't be out here, vacationing without doing something," explained Sarah Sternklar, Co-Chair of the event, who along with Meredith Berkman, planned and launched Art for Israel in less than three weeks. "There was a great and urgent need for a community-wide fundraiser in support of Israel, specifically in Sderot," added Berkman. "There hadn't been one in the Hamptons in so long."

Shocked by last year's turnout, the two women were surprised at the line of people who were waiting to come in when they opened the doors. "We started to cry. People thanked us so much for the opportunity. It was as if we did them a favor. They felt helpless." With this outpour of support from the Hamptons community, Art for Israel raised a quarter of a million dollars in 2006, with all proceeds going directly to American Friends of Magen David Adom. "We are so thrilled to raise that amount of money and make a difference," said Sternklar. "It started out as a small family event and just mushroomed."

Now in its second year, Art for Israel continues to allow the Hamptons community to show their support of Israel, as rockets continue to fall on Gaza. This year's proceeds will go towards rebuilding an emergency medical building one kilometer from the Gaza Strip and training paramedics for the facility. The event will take place on August 19 at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons from 2 to 5 p.m., offering attendees a day of dancing, Israeli food and activities for children, along with a highly anticipated silent auction that will include artwork from galleries such as Bellweather, Bonni BenRubi, Nicole Klagsbrun, Yossi Milo, Leslie Tonkonow, Vered and several pieces by Israeli artists. Also being auctioned are tickets to Broadway shows and Knicks' games, hotel stays, gift certificates to restaurants and unique and beautiful jewelry. There will be an art auction preview on Friday, August 17 at 4 p.m. at Vered Gallery, located at 68 Park Place in East Hampton. There is a suggested contribution of $180 per family who attend Art for Israel, which is tax deductible, but the organization appreciates all who come and give what they can to show support for the cause. "It's more about coming out and showing support. It's about people coming together as a community," said Berkman.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Art for Israel is the involvement of the children, as they will have the opportunity to design backpacks for schoolchildren in Sderot, Israel, which will later be filled with school supplies. "We want our kids to feel connected to their counterparts in Israel," explained Berkman. "They live completely different lives, but have a direct connection." Sternklar's ten-year-old son designed Art for Israel's logo and even took a week off from camp to help plan the event, while Berkman's children handed out flyers and assembled stickers for the volunteers to wear.

"Any of us could be hanging out on the beach, but so many have jumped onboard," said Sternklar. "We're role models. Our kids see that when something is important, you must do something about it."

The 2nd annual Art for Israel will be held on Sunday, August 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, located at 44 Woods Lane, East Hampton. For more information, email artforisrael@gmail.com.