February 23, 2000

At "XS2000," a benefit for the National Jewish Council for the Disabled’s Yachad division for people with developmental disabilities, there will be no speeches, but there will be a morphing machine. There will be no "tribute journal," but there will be virtual alpine skiing. There will be no "rubber chicken," but there will be plenty of kosher hot dogs, buffalo wings, deli heroes, sushi, popcorn and cotton candy. And, best of all, the dress code is anything but black tie.

Expected to draw more than 500 people, the hi-tech bash will be held on Saturday night, March 4, at 9:00 PM, at X/S New York, in Times Square. Attendees will be able to play games like pinball and laser tag, ride a virtual wave runner and go virtual motorcycle racing – right alongside the benefit’s recipients: The Yachad members themselves.

A high stakes raffle – for which attendance is not required – will give benefactors the opportunity to take home special prizes including jewelry, artwork, Judaica, sports tickets and gift certificates for meals in fine restaurants as well as beauty treatments at a posh New York City salon. The winner of the grand prize will get to choose between walking away with $10,000 and driving away in a brand new car.

NJCD/Yachad offers a wide array of services to individuals with disabilities and their families. This year marks the 7^th annual spring fund-raiser to benefit Yachad and dispels the myth that younger professionals regard the world of philanthropy as exclusively their parents domain. "Our donors are passionate about getting actively involved in helping people with special needs live their lives to the fullest potential," said Elaine Salvit, Director of Development for the NJCD. "What better way to support this cause than by celebrating it at a fabulous party, where the spirit of giving fills the room?"

To purchase raffle tickets, or for more information about the event and the Yachad program, please call Elaine Salvit at 212.613.8350.

With more than 35 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, the NJCD, an agency of the Orthodox Union, is the only national resource center providing specialized guidance and information as well as direct services to those in the Jewish community who have special needs. Yachad, a division of the NJCD, provides a wide range of social, recreational and religious programs, serving well over 1500 children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of America and beyond, is the world leader in youth work, advocacy for the disabled, synagogue services, adult education and political action. Its kosher supervision label, the OU, is the world's most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on nearly 250,000 products in 68 countries around the globe.

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www.ou.org

Comments? Requests? Questions?

Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Department of Public Relations Sharyn Perlman, Director Main Office: 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212-613-8321 Fax: 212-564-9058 E-mail: media@ou.org

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