Inauguration and chartering of ‘Y’s Service Club of North Jersey held in Garfield

The Inauguration and chartering of the Y’s Service club of North Jersey took place on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Milan Banquet Hall, Garfield, NJ
The club has the distinction of being multi-cultural with members from different parts of the world. It is truly multinational and multicultural in its outlook and service.

The celebration that followed the official inauguration and chartering included talents from around the globe: from African drums to Japanese rendition of Venezuelan songs.

The money raised through the event will be donated to ‘Health Barn Foundation,’ a charity organization engaged in ‘Healing Meal Program’ for children with cancer.

The evening started with a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathew followed by the singing the missional song ‘Here I am Lord.’

In his welcome speech, the Rev. Dr. Jacob David spoke about the need of a service organization not only to meet human needs, but also to come together as one family, especially when there is proclivity for fragmentation and division.
Daniel Mohan, the President of the club gave the inaugural speech.

This was followed by the chartering ceremony led by Tibor Foki, area president for America. In his speech, he emphasized the need for unity and good relationship. He exhorted the members of this newly formed club to live up to the ideals of Y’s Men’s Club International. Mr Foki then administered the oath and presented the members with certificates and pins.
The club was then officially inaugurated symbolically by the lighting of the lamp.
There was a presentation on the history and activities of ‘Health Barn’ by its founder Stacy Antin. This charity organization operates for all – rich and poor. Healthy food is absolutely necessary for managing and even for a cure for cancer. In 15 years of the organization’s existence, more than 50,000 meals were provided for cancer patients.

President Dan Mohan explained his motivation for taking up the initiative to start a club like this. He was inspired by his friend Mr. Isaac Palathingal in Cochin, Kerala. He also spoke about his vision of having a club in NJ with members from different parts of the world.

Dinner was also international with food items from Italy and India. There was a good representation from neighboring Y’s Clubs. Mr. Mathew Chamakala, the regional director of Y’s club, gave his congratulatory message to the newly formed club. Mr. Varghese Lukose from Long Island Service club expressed his good wishes. There were also felicitations from Sholy Kumbiluveli, Weschester Club and Korason Varghese from Floral Park.

The entertainment that followed was also international in nature. Andrea Alexander treated the audience with a classical piano recital. Peter Lewis and Richard Lewis from England and Wales gave a taste of music from their country including a Beatles sing along. Elain and her friends from Philippines entertained all with a ‘Fan Dance.’ Nisha Oommen and group thrilled the audience with a beautiful rendition of ‘Bollywood Dance’.

Bousvasi Estella was the emcee who delighted the people with her great sense of humor.

This delightful evening came to a close with vote of thanks from Carol Pobanz, secretary of the club.