An estimated 180 people gathered at Chabad-Lubavitch of Phoenix on Sunday to honor the more than 60 teenage volunteers who comprise the backbone of Friendship Circle of Arizona, a branch of an international program that pairs local young adults with children with special needs.

The Third-Annual Evening of Recognition was the organization’s largest, and brought together local Jewish leaders and physicians, who stressed the importance of not only social service in general, but of assuring increased acceptance of children with special needs in particular.

Steve Gubin, chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, addressed the crowd, as did Dr. Brad Golner of Phoenix Pediatrics and Dr. Raun Melmed of the Melmed Center.

The gathering also featured a video presentation by journalist Carey Peña of AZ Family – Channel 3, and an address by Howard Sobelman, a father of a child with special needs who serves as chairman of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.


The central multipurpose room at Chabad-Lubavitch of Phoenix was outfitted with tables and chairs for the annual dinner and reception.


An estimated 180 people attended the Third Annual Evening of Recognition on behalf of the Friendship Circle of Arizona, the local chapter of an international program that pairs teenage volunteers with children with special needs.


More than 60 teenage volunteers serve as the backbone of the local Friendship Circle.


A full buffet fed the crowd in between addresses from Steve Gubin, chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, and Drs. Brad Golner of Phoenix Pediatrics and Raun Melmed of the Melmed Center.


Sushi was also on hand.


Organizers, parents and volunteers stress not only the difference that the Friendship Circle makes in the lives of its children, but also in how the community at large perceives children with special needs.


Each volunteer received an award and a personalized letter from the office of U.S. President Barack Obama.