On Sunday, 45 women-participants of Lose4autism joined together for an inspirational and lavish buffet lunch at Ottimo, kicking off the women’s weight-loss competition.
“Emotional! Inspirational! Exciting! and Motivating!” were some of the words used to describe the atmosphere. “It’s like a breath of fresh air for those who have struggled with weight loss. It brings fun, excitement and competitiveness to something that is normally a lonely struggle,” was how one contestant described it.
The attendees heard an inspirational message from Imrei Binah’s Educational Director, Mrs. Ziskind, and two parents also spoke about their journey in parenting a child with autism and how Imrei Binah has impacted their child’s life.
Lose4Autism’s nutritionist Mrs. Silber spoke as well, providing useful weight loss tips as a preview to the individual plans that each contestant will have a chance to setup with her.
During the sucessful Lose4autism men’s event (video contains music), the average contestant lost over 50 lbs and over $200,000 was raised.
The women’s 85 day program which began yesterday and already raised over $20,000 is custom designed for the frum Jewish woman. The program is confidential and discreet.
“Months of planning went into designing a program that would have the benefits of the support of family friends and at the same time would protect the privacy of those who wish to remain anonymous,” says Lose4autism.
Join today by registering at www.lose4autism.org or by calling (516) 670-7669.
while personally i am a very open minded person , i dont think having such an event for woman is not up to lakewoods standard of tznius. it would be ok if all participants where anonymous, but then it would lose its sponsorship ability . its really a catch 22.
i am very pro autism , and pro tzedakah but i think the lack of sensitivity will backfire. either keep it totally anonymous or do mens only,
What R’ ZalMan Sorotzki has done for the Autistic children is astounding. This is a huge z’chus for the women to raise funds for Imrei Binah in a fun, healthy way.
I think this idea is extremely warped.
While I certainly support children with autism, and would happily give my maiser $ to them, this is NOT the way to do it.
By creating a such a competition, it firstly furthers the message in to our community from the non jewish world about the pressures of body image, and its a real risk for eating disorders.
By having such an intense pressure to lose the most pounds regardless of health or starting body weight, it will lead to people starving themselves without any regard for their health. The winner from the mens contest himself said that he “resorted to extreme measures!”
For those that don’t think anyone has eating disorders, speak to the therapists in Lakewood and visit psychiatric hospitals.
Please, please find another way to market your cause.
Hatzalcha
Imrei Binah you are one of the miracles of our times.
You are saving my sons life every day!