200 guests gather to support experienced professionals seeking their next opportunity

Aim Hire founding managing director Tzipora Grodko

Aim Hire Founder Joey Goldzal

Rabbi Keevy Fried, Aim Hire’s executive director

200 guests gather to support experienced professionals seeking their next opportunity

Aim Hire’s annual gala brought 200 guests to Lavan Midtown in Manhattan on Monday, October 26, celebrating the 78 professionals the organization has helped return to work since January 2025.

The upbeat evening combined a tribute to founding managing director Tzipora Grodko, an inspiring address by Charlie Harary, and entertainment by mentalist Shlomo Levinger. Throughout the celebration, guests were reminded of the work ahead: 141 professionals are currently on Aim Hire’s active roster, with many more in need of help.

Aim Hire helps experienced Jewish professionals over 40 return to meaningful employment through personal support, job-search guidance, employer relationships, and advocacy. For employers, it offers access to seasoned talent with years of experience and the skills to contribute to their businesses.

Rabbi Keevy Fried, Aim Hire’s executive director and the evening’s master of ceremonies, helped guests understand what candidates experience before reaching the milestone of a new job. Beyond the financial pressure, unemployment can bring anxiety, isolation, and a painful loss of confidence, even for people with decades of professional accomplishment.

Through candidates’ experiences, Fried described the difference it makes to have someone by their side throughout the search, offering encouragement, making connections, and helping them navigate setbacks. The evening’s celebration of 78 professionals returning to work was also a celebration of families regaining stability and the ability to plan for their futures.

Founder Joey Goldzal expanded on that commitment, explaining that Aim Hire serves as much more than a recruiting firm. It is a lifeline for candidates who need somewhere to turn and people they can count on. That ongoing relationship helps professionals regain motivation, find direction, and keep moving toward the right next job with Aim Hire’s support.

The Founding Legacy Award was presented to Tzipora Grodko, the organization’s first staff member and founding managing director. She was recognized for the positivity and personal care she brought to the work, helping shape an organization that sees the person behind every résumé. In her remarks, Grodko encouraged guests to make a personal commitment to doing good and becoming better today than they were yesterday.

Charlie Harary’s address focused on the distinction between being successful and being blessed. He encouraged guests to look beyond their own accomplishments and pay attention to the needs of others. Taking the time to care, offer encouragement, or make an introduction can have consequences far beyond what a person might imagine. His message gave guests a personal way to connect with the evening’s purpose: everyone has some ability to help another person move forward.

Shlomo Levinger’s mentalism performance brought astonishment and laughter to the room, adding to an evening marked by excellent food, lively conversation, and an enthusiastic sense of shared purpose.

Aim Hire extends its sincere thanks to its corporate sponsors, individual supporters, and all who attended for making the evening possible and demonstrating their commitment to Aim Hire’s mission.

Special thanks to Liron David and the entire team at Lavan Midtown for the beautiful venue and exceptional hospitality, Alan Shulman of Main Event Mauzone for the outstanding cuisine, and ATD Audio Visual for bringing the evening to life through an immersive experience.

The invitation to employers extends well beyond the gala. Businesses looking to hire can turn to Aim Hire for experienced professionals ready to bring their knowledge, judgment, and commitment to a new role. Community members can help by making introductions to hiring managers and sharing opportunities.

For more information about hiring through Aim Hire, referring a professional, or supporting its work, visit aim-hire.org.