Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/695583
metro » a r o u n d t o w n Volunteers gather for a group shot before getting to work. Macomb Community College occupational therapy students: Athena Zarmakoupis, Shelby Township; Emma Orczykowski, New Baltimore; Neal Lepsetz, Ferndale, team leader and Kadima NEXTGen liaison; Sara Gentile, Sterling Heights; and Andrea Misho, Sterling Heights. Robin Tobin-Murav, Ryann, Ian and John Jacobson, all of West Bloomfield NEXTGen volunteers: Abby Rubin, Detroit; Jessica Sherr, Auburn Hills; and Abi Lepshutz, Ferndale. Rain-soaked but happy: Yoshana Goldstein of Southfield with Eliana, 8, and Yakov, 8. Peninaforta Goldberg of Oak Park and her son Yisroel, 3, in the penguinarium. Entering the new penguin center, a 360-degree video made you feel as if you were on an expedition ship in Antarctica, watching penguins, seals and whales in their natural habitat. Joey Fearon of Birmingham gives a giant roar as he gets his face painted like a lion. David Fienman of Birmingham with his son Drew, 3 Bentzion and Esther Belen of Southfield with Gavriel, 1 26 June 23 • 2016 T he rain didn't dampen spirits at JARC's 18th annual SpringElation fundraiser, an all-inclusive family night at the Detroit Zoo on June 1, which drew nearly 2,000 guests despite the stormy weather. A highlight of the evening was access to the zoo's new 33,000-square- foot Polk Penguin Conservation Center, home to more than 80 pen- guins. An underwater gallery with tunnels provides great views as the birds swim, soar and deep-dive. The event included a picnic dinner from Quality Kosher Catering as well as activities for the children, including the Tauber Family Railroad and music and dancing provided by Star Trax. SpringElation supports JARC's range of services for men, women and children with disabilities, including autism and developmental delays. More than $200,000 was raised this year. Event chair was JARC board member Joshua Jacobs. * F or Kadima's first Annual Gardening Day on June 5, more than 40 volunteers gathered to plant trees, bushes and flowers, mulch and make a difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges. Volunteers divided into groups of five to work at Kadima's service-supported homes, which provide a safe and nurturing environment for Kadima clients. They also worked in the Kadima Community Garden at the Henrietta and Herbert Charfoos Kadima Center in Southfield. "The work of our volunteers to create and maintain environments supportive of our clients' independence is so valued and appreciated," said Eric Adelman, executive director. "Their generosity of spirit is felt throughout our organization." The event was planned by Chad Techner, Robin Tobin- Murav and Barbara Eisenberg. Community partners and sponsors included Jewish Federation of Metropolitan NEXTGen Detroit, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Rhoda and Marshall Tobin, and Lionheart Building and Landscaping. Learn more at www.kadimacenter.org. * Zoo Time! A little rain didn't drown out JARC's annual SpringElation fundraiser. Photos by Brandon Schwartz Gardening Day Kadima volunteers plant, mulch and make a difference.