Rides and Racquets! Two Events=One Purpose at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC

Feb. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Hebraica’s 9th Annual Verbena Purim Carnival will arrive in Festive Fashion on Sunday, March 20, from 11am-6pm, thanks to Title Sponsor, Southeastern Recycling Corporation, and a new generation of lay-leaders who are putting a new spin on the revolving rides, groovy games, and fantastic fare. “Although the story of Purim is the same, the festivities surrounding it will be different as brought to you by a new group of people who are very excited to be part of the fun,” mentioned Sylvia Assor, long-time volunteer of the Verbena Purim Carnival. Old favorites like the giant Ferris wheel, rock-climbing wall, and kids costume contest will be combined with new, innovative and fresh ideas to be presented on the day of the event. A special Israeli dance performance by the JCC’s Bamachol Dance Academy will highlight the day’s entertainment as well. Additionally, there will be a “Teen Night” on Saturday, March 19 from 8pm-midnight, with special rides, arcade games, and entertainment for teens ages 13-18 only. Admission to the carnival on Sunday is free-of-charge. Wristbands for unlimited rides will be available for $30 per person at the door. Food and beverage tickets will also be available for purchase.

Taking place this same weekend is the 17th Annual Tennis Fest that will begin on Saturday evening, March 19, at 8pm at Hollywood Vine, in Hollywood, FL, with a wine tasting party that includes great food, exclusive auction items, and a raffle. To participate in the Pro-Am Tournament on Sunday, March 20, there is a $650 fee, however, players may purchase raffle tickets the night of the party, subsequently entering their name into a drawing. The more tickets they purchase, the more times their name is entered into the drawing, enabling them to choose from a line-up tennis professionals such as Maurice Ruah, Oliver Salous, Jeff Mager, Chris Kwon, Anthony Emerson, Michael Ray, and many others! “Once again this year, the caliber of players we have assembled is as high as that of an ATP Tournament,” mentioned Nancy Carroll, Assistant Director of Health, Sports and Wellness at the MAR-JCC. “We are excited about combining a sporting event with a traditional Jewish holiday event, as we believe it will draw a larger, and more diverse crowd – after all, our goal is to generate funds for the MAR-JCC Scholarship Fund to enable more families to participate in all that the JCC has to offer,” Nancy added.

Proceeds from these two events, which are both open to the public, will benefit the MAR-JCC Scholarship Fund. This fund enables under privileged children and families to take advantage of the after-school programs, summer camp, and Infant Daycare & Pre-school at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center.“ For more information about the Verbena Purim Carnival, call Diani Azout at 305-932-4200 x119. For information about the Tennis Fest, call Nancy Carroll at 305-932-4200 x166.

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The Michael-Ann Russell JCC is dedicated to the enrichment of Jewish life, representing a model of acceptance, understanding and diversity. The MAR-JCC is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and United Way of Miami-Dade.