Bailee Wahren – Love for the Beautiful Game
Soccer has given so much to Bailee that she feels a strong responsibility to give back and help other children experience the same joy she has found in the game. Since December 2024, she has volunteered on Saturday mornings with the Stamford Youth Soccer League’s Junior Recreation Program, coaching children ages 4–7 — the very program where she first discovered her own love of soccer at age six. She gladly spends two hours each winter Saturday, and one hour in the fall and spring, helping young players learn skills, build confidence, and feel included. On some weekends, she has even worked with toddlers. Bailee especially enjoys supporting girls who feel nervous. During one travel tryout session, she noticed a shy seven-year-old who was overwhelmed. Bailee took time for a one-on-one conversation, helping her regain confidence before returning to the field. Recognizing how fortunate she is, Bailee also organized a Fall 2025 equipment drive, collecting cleats, shin guards, jerseys, balls, and socks for children in need. She plans to continue volunteering — including with TopSoccer — and hopes to keep giving back to the sport she loves for many years to come. |
Vivian Kaplan – ROAR
For my Bat Mitzvah, I have decided to work towards helping animals get new, incredible homes. In order to fulfill this, I am working with Rain and Shine rescue for spay, neuter, and heart-worm prevention for the animals rescued by Lisa Quinlan who runs the barn where I ride horses. However, I didn’t think this was enough. So, I also decided to collect items for ROAR, a shelter that I used to beg my grandparents to take me to because I loved playing with their kittens. I hope to make a difference in these animals’ lives by helping them get the love and care they deserve. My part is to make sure people can care for these animals easily, and I hope you will join in and continue to help rehome these animals to homes they deserve. For a list of items I’m collecting for the shelter, please click here. You can alternatively make a donation on my GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/50a137666. |
Madison Goichman – Clips for the Cure
At lacrosse tournaments, we anonymously clip clothespins on rival players. The pins are decorated with positive messages like YOU GOT THIS and YOU’RE A STAR! For my bat mitzvah project, I decorated clothespins with words of strength like FIGHT, HOPE, FAITH, and HERO. My mom is a breast cancer surgeon, so she displayed them in her exam rooms in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), asking patients to take them. A young, newly diagnosed cancer patient took purple JOY clips for her kids. A woman took yellow FAITH after finishing treatment. Another patient in remission took pink STRENGTH for her sister who is battling cancer. My mom said that her patients were emotional about the clips and the story behind it. I was happy to give back to a cause that is so important to my family. |
Sloane Cooper – JFS Food Bank
For my Bat Mitzvah Project, I have partnered with Schoke Jewish Family Service (JFS) to support their kosher food pantry, which delivers food directly to members of our community who need it most. As part of this initiative, I will be collecting donations every month to help keep the food pantry stocked. Local Jewish organizations and synagogues are all participating, each focusing on specific food items. Temple Beth El has been assigned pasta and rice, and we invite our community to contribute generously. Through this project, I am not only celebrating my Bat Mitzvah but also making a lasting impact by helping families in need. You can drop off your donations in the TBE religious school office or in the main lobby outside the main office. |
