For over 50 years, the Hillel Academy of Broome County, a not-for-profit school has served the Binghamton area, providing secular and Judaic education.

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Each year, the Hillel Academy hosts a special Journal Event in which it celebrates exceptional individuals who have made a profound impact on the Broome County community, This year, the 59th Annual Journal Event will honor Mark and Inessa Yonaty.

Mark Yonaty was born and raised in Binghamton and is deeply invested in seeing the Binghamton community grow. Mark has played a role in helping many local businesses launch including Social on State, Craft Bar and Kitchen, Scoopy Dooby Ice Cream, and others.

Mark's wife, Inessa, came to America at the age of six from the former Soviet Union to escape religious persecution. Inessa has deep roots in the Hillel Academy having started second grade there and then spending her summers at the Jewish Community Center.

Together, Inessa and Mark own Vintageness Consignment Boutique and The Goldsmith and each business is used as a vessel for the couple to give back to the Binghamton community through clothing donations and other charitable donations.

The Broome County community is invited to celebrate Mark and Inessa Yonaty at Hillel Academy's Journal Event this Thursday, June 8. The event will be held at the Temple Israel Social Hall on Deerfield Place in Vestal from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the Journal Event, which is a fundraiser, are $100 each and the proceeds will assist Hillel Academy with education operating costs, academic enrichment, and programming.

Learn more about Hillel Academy and purchase tickets to this week's Journal Event here. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the school, you can do so here.

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