Jewish House’s big night

MORE than 500 people attended Jewish House’s “Big Night Out 2011” last Wednesday night.

Australia’s Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen serenaded guests, while emcee Paul Martell kept them laughing and NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Andrew Constance reflected on the serious messages of the night and the work Jewish House does in the community.

Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel said “Everybody had a good time. [It] was a fantastic opportunity to really showcase Jewish House, what we do and what we’re about.”

Rabbi Kastel said Vidgen’s presence was a real highlight. “Jack was fantastic. He really believes in what Jewish House is about – he himself had a brush with homelessness, and also was here at Jewish House seeing what it was about.

“He talked about how he felt it was a ‘big mitzvah’ to be supporting Jewish House.”

Rabbi Kastel said he was particularly impressed that Vidgen stayed for the whole evening.

“He was very gracious, and stayed around and took pictures with people and spoke to people, so he really was into the evening, not just coming on as a performer and running away,” he said.

Constance introduced a special video message from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, in which he spoke of visiting Jewish House while still opposition leader in 2010.

Also in attendance was the federal shadow minister for ageing and mental health, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

Next year is shaping up to be a big year for the charity, with several big announcements made on the night. “They include having a social worker who helps manage the clients,” Rabbi Kastel said.

“We will be starting up groups to deal with alcohol and other drugs, both for people who are on recovery and their families. There was also an announcement [about] the expansion of our crisis line, so having more volunteers so we can broaden the response on the crisis line.

“As well as the big announcement was that we will be starting early next year to offer affordable psychiatry,” Rabbi Kastel said.

GARETH NARUNSKY

Australia’s Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen performed at the Jewish House Big Night Out function last week.

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