Aly Raisman Will Be Featured Speaker at Boca Raton’s Congregation B’nai Israel on November 8th
By: Robert S Weinroth
Boca Raton’s Congregation B’nai Israel is ready to paint Boca Raton gold as they present gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman as part of their annual CBI Inspires Speakers Series.
Raisman is celebrated for her top medal level performances, competing against the world’s best in London in 2012 and again four years later in Rio De Janeiro. She served as US team captain and under her leadership, her squads took the team gold medals in both sets of games.
As a world-famous Jewish athlete, she also was the torch lighter for the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
A best-selling author, Raisman released “Fierce” late last year. The book is a New York Times best-seller that has received wide acclaim. “Her story is one of persistence, hardship, triumph and leadership,” noted Woman’s Sports Federation founder Billie Jean King.
A survivor of sexual harassment during her first years in sports, Raisman currently serves as a nationwide leader for the #MeToo movement. She recently led more than 140 survivors in receiving the Arthur Ashe Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards during the evening’s most emotional moment she declared, “To all the survivors out there, don’t let anyone rewrite your story. Your truth does matter. You matter. And you are not alone.”
Ashleigh Walters, anchor at WPTV-NBC Channel 5 in West Palm Beach, will serve as moderator for the evening. Ashleigh will speak with Raisman in a question-and-answer format on stage at the event.
“We’re thrilled to have Ashleigh as our moderator for what promises to be an unforgettable and meaningful evening. She is an accomplished news professional with outstanding credentials and a great personal style,“ said CBI Executive Director Steve Allen.
Raisman joins prior speakers in the CBI Inspires Speakers Series including Deepak Chopra, Maya Angelou, Alan Dershowitz and Chuck Todd, host of NBC’s Meet the Press.
Allen notes that “past speakers have generated tremendous exposure and support for our organization but this year we will be going in a new and broader direction. Aly’s dedication to her sport, her country and her faith has been an inspiration and a model for the youth of our community.”
Allen expects record-setting attendance. Partial proceeds from the November 8 event will benefit Darkness to Light.
Following Raisman’s time with the audience, CBI will host an exclusive meet-and-greet dessert reception open to CBI Inspires Series sponsors. Autographed copies of “Fierce” will be available for purchase. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Steve Allen at Steve.Allen@CBIBoca.org
A limited number of event tickets are still available for sale – priced from $18 to $90.
Those seeking to attend are urged to call (866) 846-6328 or visit the CBI website at www.CBIBoca.org for more information or to place a ticket order.
