A truly heart-warming Sunday winter morning
By Ronel Zeff
Despite the previous few days’ cold weather, Sunday morning 26 June turned out to be a glorious day for the annual Samantha Amy Brest Endowment Fund fundraiser. So many hearts were truly warmed at Warm Your Heart on a Winter’s Morning with Musical Wonders from Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Surprise performer, Helen Heldemuth, entertained the large crowd with her witty repartee as “Bobba Feigie” and granddaughter “Raizele”, in a prelude to the main performance in which Mark Samowitz (KDHSVP 1996), well known chazzan, composer, singer and performer, and Kevy G (Kevin Greenberg – KDHSL 2005), talented pianist, provided an emotional, uplifting morning of song.
From Love Changes Everything , Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door , Bring Him Home, Whistle Down the Wind, No Matter What, to Music of the Night, Mark and Kevin had the audience tapping their toes and clapping their hands. Surprise guest performer, Natasha Kletz (née Saladino – KDHSL 1998)), joined Mark at his request for the duet All I Ask of You. There was not a dry eye in the audience when the pair finished their final song for the morning, The Prayer, by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.
This song was Samantha Brest’s favourite – a young KDHSVP learner who tragically passed away at 19 years old from meningitis. Sam loved acts of tzedakah and kindness, and was passionate about fashion. Her mom, Felicité, was inspired to start this fund, which under the auspices of the King David Schools’ Foundation, ensures that matriculants who are not in a position to afford the requirements of their matric dance can enjoy a memorable evening at the culmination of their high school careers.
Jeffrey Wolf, Sam’s former principal, gave a moving homage to her, in which he said that she would always be remembered by her inner and outer beauty. This event was certainly a fitting way not only to honour this gentle soul who had been the light of her family and friends, but also to ensure that her compassionate spirit lives on by assisting KD learners annually.
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