Playground in Memory of Cynthia Laitman

On February 19, 2010, Cynthia Laitman passed away after battling brain cancer. Many felt the loss of a committed activist but of course, many more mourn the loss of a family member and friend.

Cynthia's sister Judith is raising funds to build a playground in Palestine to honor Cynthia's memory. Cynthia's commitment to social justice near and far makes this a fitting tribute to her life and passions. Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison is honored to be able to contribute to her legacy.

A total of $10,000 will be raised to make this a reality. If you would like to participate, please email us at pfpmadison AT gmail.com (replace AT with @) to find out more, or contact Judith Laitman directly at jlaitman AT tds.net (replace AT with @). As we progress in raising the funds, a location in Palestine will be selected.

The details:

What: Mediterranean Vegetarian Buffet Dinner

When: Sunday, January 23, 2011, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Bon Appetit Cafe, 805 Williamson Street

Minimum donation (includes dinner): $40 per person

Cash Wine bar.

RSVP by January 15th to Judith Laitman at jlaitman AT tds.net or 608-831-8224.

First Photos of the Jenin Playground!

Thanks to all of your support and help, a playground was built for the children of the Jenin refugee camp as a result of fundraising by the Madison chapter of Playgrounds for Palestine. Here are some great photos of the playground equipment and of the children enjoying it! (and of the old "playground" which was in dire need of replacement.)

What they used to have:

Even More Auction Items Added -- Bid NOW!

In conjunction with the PfP-Madison/Madison-Rafah Sister City Project event on March 21st (see post below for details), we have launched our first ever ON-LINE AUCTION!! Go right to it at http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html

Some items will close by Thursday, so get your bids and and make sure you don't get outbid!

* Day passes to Mt Olympus in the Dells, and a family fun pack to Bogey's in Middleton (go-karts, mini-golf, and batting cages!)

* gift certificates to Lulu's, Mediterranean Hookah Lounge and Café, Imperial Garden-Middleton, Fair Trade Coffeehouse, Mother Fool's, Community Pharmacy, Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative!

* Major discounts on stays at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park!

* yoga passes, massages, hair salon services!

* Ticket vouchers to the Wisconsin Union Theater, Broom Street Theatre, The Bricks Theater, and the Madison Mallards!

* beautiful handmade fish platters!

* membership to Madison Children's Museum, a day pass to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, bundles of great children's books!

* Lunch with Madison radio personality Lee Rayburn!

* A variety of pet care services!

* flower and vegetable shares from TWO local organic farms!

* Fair trade gift packages from Just Coffee and Family Farm Defenders!

* One-of-a-kind experiences like a private group bellydance class, an architectural tour, and special event planning consultation!

Don't delay -- you could miss out! Go to http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html today!

Bid on Items in our Great On-Line Auction!

In conjunction with the PfP-Madison/Madison-Rafah Sister City Project event on March 21st (see post below for details), we have launched our first ever ON-LINE AUCTION!! Go right to it at http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html

More items are still being added, but what is available NOW includes:

* Major discounts on stays at the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark!

* gift certificates to Lulu's, Mediterranean Hookah Lounge and Café, Imperial Garden-Middleton, Fair Trade Coffeehouse, and Mother Fool's, Community Pharmacy, Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative!

* Ticket vouchers to the Wisconsin Union Theater, Broom Street Theatre, The Bricks Theater, and the Madison Mallards!

* yoga passes, massages, hair salon services!

* membership to Madison Children's Museum, a day pass to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, bundles of great children's books!

* Lunch with Madison radio personality Lee Rayburn!

* A variety of pet care services!

* flower and vegetable shares from TWO local organic farms!

* Fair trade gift packages from Just COffee and Family Farm Defenders!

* One-of-a-kind experiences like a private group bellydance class, an architectural tour, and special event planning consultation!

Don't delay -- you could miss out! Go to http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html today!

PfP/Madison-Rafah event March 21st!

Building Hope for the Children

Join Playgrounds for Palestine - Madison and the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project for a delicious vegetarian Arabic dinner, poetry, film and silent auction in commemoration of Rachel Corrie.

4:30 - 9:00 pm (dinner 5:30), Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave. Madison.

$15 adults/$10 age 12 & under.

All proceeds support West Bank playground and Gaza water filters project. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project and Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison.

Dinner reservations: dwallbaum@gmail.com or (608)235-7870. Silent auction online after March 10 at http://pfpmadison.blogspot.com/ Info? www.madisonrafah.org

A Playground in Memory of Cynthia Laitman

Please check back often for updates on this effort.