(PHOTO LINKS AT END OF ARTICLE) This past Sunday evening was Mekimi of Lakewood’s Annual BBQ. The event was held in the backyard of Shlomie Gornish, who was one of the events’ sponsors. The event was also sponsored by Avrohom Moshe Muller of Kosher West.

More than 300 patients and Mekimi volunteers attended the massive BBQ, enjoying the rides, food, great entertainment, and free toys. It was a kids wonderland.

The Mekimi board spent many weeks working hard to ensure that the event would be a smashing success – which is what it B”H was.

Gracing the event with his presence was Shimshy Heskel, the founder of Mekimi International.

Starting the event were dozens of volunteers – in their famous funny costumes – flipping burgers, hot dogs, and chicken for the overwhelming crowd.

The families were seated in a large seating area provided by B & B Party Rentals, to watch the amazing Ballooner Rebbe create adorable creatures and shapes for all the kids.

There was also an amazing concert starring, Shua Kessin, Yoel Dovid, Dovid Gabay and Yosef Chaim Bloch.

Mekimi would like to thank every individual which took part in this tremendous event. It could not have been done without all the selfless and tireless work from the volunteers.

Last but not least, Mekimi would like to thank Lakewood Police Chief Rob Lawson, Committeeman Menashe Miller and LPD Sergent Frank Work for attending and showing their support for this great organization.

Mekimi was founded in 2003 to mitigate the anxiety and boredom experienced during a hospital stay. What began as a pipe dream to fill the entertainment needs of bedridden children has in only four short years evolved into a flourishing network of kindness.

Today, Mekimi is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY with 12 national and international chapters, including: Lakewood, NJ; Monsey, NY; Monroe, NY; Williamsburg, NY; Far Rockaway, NY; Detroit, MI; Toronto, Canada; Montreal, CA; England and Israel. Mekimi is presently staffed by some 350 men and women, all volunteers who are selflessly committed to furthering Mekimi’s goals. They are enriching the lives of over 1800 children and young adults suffering the debilitating effects of serious and long term medical conditions.

Besides the obvious humanitarian benefits, doctors approbate our program because it strengthens the resolve to live and fight disease, thus prolonging life.

Every day since 2003, MEKIMI enriches the lives of hundreds of children and young adults suffering the debilitating effects of serious and long term medical conditions.

PHOTO LINKS: Click HERE to see photos taken by YWN-41 at the Lakewood BBQ, and click HERE to see photos taken at the recent event held at the home of Lipa Schmeltzer for the Mekimi volunteers.