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Special Events
Epicurean Wine & Food Tasting
Two hundred and twenty-five people attended Sid Jacobson JCC's 4th Annual Epicurean Event, An Evening of Wine and Food Tasting, at The George Washington Manor on April 15. The fundraiser featured some of the finest Long Island cuisine, along with wine pourings from five outstanding wineries. Guests were enthralled by the sumptuous and diverse offering of gourmet food and the extensive variety of wines that complemented every morsel. The desserts were a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate. The evening of epicurean delights benefited the JCC's Young Onset Alzheimer's, Autism and Special Needs Programs.
Forty vendors, comprised of restaurants, caterers and wineries donated their services. Participating vendors included: American Classic Ice Cream, Balaboosta's Bakery, Bar Frites, Bistro M, Bryant & Cooper Steak House, Cardinali Bakery of Syosset, Cipollini, Cirellas, FIJI Water, George Washington Manor, Glen Oaks Club, Heavenly Tea Leaves, Il Mulino, Kitchen Kabaret, krön chocolatier of Great Neck, La Bussola Ristorante, La Ginestra, La Pace with Chef Michael, Lauber Imports, Lawrence Scott Events, Leonetti Pastry Shop, Mark of Excellence Catering, Maroni Cuisine, Martin Scott Wine Importers, Michael Skurnik Wines, Morrell Caterers, Pearl East, Post Wines & Spirits, Southern Wine & Spirits, Stresa, Supreme Wines, Table 9, Toku Modern Asian Restaurant, Trata, Wonderful Wedding Cakes.
In addition to serving on the Committee, Mark Spiegel of Mark of Excellence Catering joined these prestigious chefs by presenting his delicious cuisine and volunteered his culinary expertise to organize this event.
One guest remarked, "The event was a chance for me to enjoy a fabulous evening out with friends while also supporting a good cause. I really enjoyed the music and the venue was just beautiful. All in all, it was a spectacular evening."
Attendees also participated in a Lucky Draw, in the hopes of winning restaurant and wine packages. The Merchant Marines, in full dress uniform, walked the Lucky Draw items around the room to attract the attention of prospective players. The flowers were generously donated by Bunny's Floral, wineries were coordinated by Michael Douglas of Post Wines & Spirits and entertainment for the evening was provided by Vincent Rhodes Productions.
The Epicurean Wine & Food Event could not have gone forward without the generous donations from our sponsors, including Epicurean Sponsor Nancy Waldbaum, Connoisseur Sponsors Adams & Co. Real Estate, Debra & James Buslik and Tracy & David Levy, Aficionado Sponsor Rita & David Levy, Devotee Sponsors Rita & Frank Castagna, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Stephanie Goldman & Thom Gilbert, Susan & Jon Held, The Kalikow Family and Janet & Jerry Kroll and Enthusiast Sponsors Judy & Peter Baum, Gayle & Al Berg, Marleen & Eric Donnenfeld, Estelle's Dressy Dresses, Rosalind & Howard Kroplick, Marjorie & Leonard Pugatch, Sandi & David Nussbaum, Andrew Sandler, Marcia & Kenneth Schack, Marcy Simon, Denise & Robert Silverberg and York International Agency.
According to Beverly Gelb, JCC Director of Philanthropic Initiatives, "This event helps support the JCC programs for people who need us most. Co-chairs Debra Buslik and Nancy Waldbaum delivered a spectacular, elegant culinary affair and it truly was a night to remember".
Friendship Circle Luncheon
The 7th Annual Friendship Circle Luncheon
Five Day-A-Week Programs for Those in Their 30s, 40s and 50s with Young Onset Dementia Will Continue at Sid Jacobson JCC Thanks to the Financial Support Received at Seventh Annual Friendship Circle Luncheon
The Community Comes Out To Support the JCC’s Innovative Program
Roslyn, NY (June 8, 2010)- The Seventh Annual Friendship Circle Luncheon, hosted by Sid Jacobson JCC on May 13th, 2010 at The Garden City Hotel, attracted more than 300 guests who came out to support The Friendship Circle, an adult day program for the frail elderly who may be functionally and/or cognitively impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or MS. Additionally the luncheon supports the first-of-its kind program for those in their 30s, 40s and 50s with Young Onset Dementia, Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative disease (Let’s Do Lunch ™ ). Fundraising luncheons in previous years, and the generosity of this years’ attendees, will enable the JCC to continue to offer The Friendship Circle program with a fifth day each week. Connie Wasserman, Director of Senior Services at the JCC, gave a powerful and touching presentation on what it is like to be afflicted by Young Onset Alzheimer’s and spoke of the impact on spouses and children, as well as the ways in which she and her team provide programming and support services so critical to these families in their time of need. Except for the generosity of donors, there is no stream of funding for the Let’s Do Lunch Program.
Frank Castagna, developer of Americana Manhasset, was honored at the Friendship Circle Luncheon for his generous and ongoing support of the JCC’s mission to help those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s and Young Onset Dementia. The Americana Manhasset was honored for its support of not-for-profits in the community. Champions for Charity ®, Americana’s annual holiday shopping benefit supports more than 70 not-for-profit organizations, including Sid Jacobson JCC. Angela Anton, publisher of Anton Community Newspapers and The Boulevard Magazine, received this year’s Communications Service Award. The Award ceremony was followed by a fashion show featuring Donna Karan New York, which opened with a video of Donna Karan wishing Sid Jacobson JCC success with their mission.
For more information or to donate, please contact Beverly Gelb at 516-484-1545.
Golf & Tennis Outing
Sid Jacobson JCC’s 25th Anniversary Golf &
Tennis Outing, presented by York International Agency, LLC, took place on July
26, 2010 at Glen Oaks Club. Participants showed up in record numbers, as evidenced by
the sold-out golf and tennis roster. The day wasn’t just about the thrill of
competition and play—it was about supporting community programs that serve
those who need it the most.
Sid Jacobson JCC’s Golf & Tennis Outings have been responsible for raising over $4 million in the past 24 years. These funds have directly benefited programs that the community desperately needs, including Camp Kehilla, a summer camp for children on the autism spectrum, and the Friendship Circle, a day program for the frail elderly affected with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This year’s event gave participants the opportunity to take a personal interest in these populations, allowing people to purchase meals for those in the Friendship Circle or scholarships for children at Camp Kehilla.
After a cocktail hour and a live auction, Board President Dr. Eric Donnenfeld introduced the evening’s honorees, Roger and Lisa Gladstone and Tikkun Olam Award recipient Tony Fromer. Fromer serves as president of the American Friends of Migdal Ohr, which supports a school and youth village in Israel for over 6,000 Israeli children at risk. Migdal Ohr received 10% of the proceeds from the Outing. Participants also acknowledged previous honorees from the past 25 years and celebrated the dedication of the Gloria Chizner Hindes Children’s Theatre Endowment.
Sid Jacobson JCC would like to extend its sincere thanks to all of its sponsors, volunteers and participants for their incredible support of the 25th Anniversary Golf & Tennis Outing. The event ran smoothly because of the dedication of Golf Chairpersons Robert Gladstone, James Krantz and David Nussbaum and Tennis Chairperson Andrew Sandler.
Yellow Rose Society
The Yellow Rose Society was created to provide additional funding and awareness of the Friendship Circle and Fay J. Linder Foundation Let’s Do Lunch programs at the JCC. Both programs support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other neuro-degenerative diseases, with Friendship Circle providing a stimulating environment to those with memory and/or functional impairment and Let’s Do Lunch offering supportive services for sufferers in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The Society is co-chaired by Jeri Glaser, Donna Schlessinger and Debra Sutton. For more information on the Yellow Rose Society, contact Beverly Gelb, Director of Philanthropic Initiatives, at 516-484-1545 ext. 133.
Auction For Excellence
Sid Jacobson JCC’s Auction for Excellence Brings the Community Together
Evening of Fun and Fundraising Supports Vital Programs to Help Those Who Need It Most
The community rallied together to show their overwhelming commitment to support Sid Jacobson JCC’s 15th Annual Auction for Excellence at the JCC in East Hills on January 30, 2010. Guests wore their best hippie garb at this sixties-themed event, dancing late into the night at the exclusive after party. The Auction is the premier fundraising event on Long Island, connecting donors, sponsors, volunteers and participants who enthusiastically collaborate to provide the JCC with funding for vital social service programs utilized by thousands in the community.
Elyse Luray of the PBS series History Detectives was the guest celebrity host and commentator of this year's live auction. Auction guests bid on a wide selection of fantastic prizes and services, including a $5,000 shopping spree at Americana Manhasset that included the assistance of a personal shopper plus lunch at Cipollini Trattoria & Bar, as well as luxury vacation packages including private jets courtesy of Avantair and Talon Air.
JCC president Eric Donnenfeld gratefully acknowledged the huge committee of volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the Auction for Excellence raised funds for critical and much-needed programs.
Cindy Wittels, special guest speaker, lead the audience on a journey of her experiences with her family through her son’s diagnosis with Autism and their discovery of a caring community within Sid Jacobson JCC. “This place offers more than a building to go to – it gives people a life, friends and purpose,” said Wittels. “The journey of Autism is not one I would have chosen if given a choice but the people I have met along the way have been amazing a true blessing to my family.” Through Wittels’s heart-felt words, Auction attendees experienced how Sid Jacobson JCC’s social service programs make a large impact on the families they serve.
Autism programs Shooting Stars and Fantastic Fridays are just two of the many programs that have been funded in part by the Auction for Excellence. Other JCC offerings benefiting from the Auction include Let’s Do Lunch™, a Young Onset Alzheimer’s program designed for individuals in their 30s, 40s and 50s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other neuro-degenerative diseases. Funds from the Auction for Excellence have enabled the JCC to offer expanded services to those who need it most in the community, including caregivers, spouses and other family members.
Sid Jacobson JCC extends its sincere appreciation to the Auction for Excellence media partners and sponsors, including Van Zeeland, Inc., Adams & Co. Real Estate, LLC, Jacobson & Gershwind Family Foundations, Margery Kreitman, The Sandler Families, Nancy Waldbaum, Amy & Scott Jaffee, ProHEALTH Care Associates, LLP, United Footwear Group, Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management, Eisner & Lubin LLP, Long Island Industrial Group / Bruce Federman, Apple & Eve, LLC, Berdon LLP, Blackstone Stationers, Clearlight Partners, Fishman & Tobin, Inc., Marvin Azrak & Sons Foundation, Judy & Peter Baum, Gould Shenfeld Family, Intracoastal Abstract/Cliff Gelbard, M & T Bank, Rahal Foods, Inc., Denise & Robert Silverberg, Susan & Jack Bender, Capital One Bank, Eva & Jess Drabkin, East Coast Fertility, Hiram Cohen and Son, Inc., Johanna Foods Inc., Janet & Jerry Kroll, Roz & Howard Kroplick, Panzner Demolition, Doreen & Andrew Peykar, Dee & Jonathan Pratt, Rampart Group Insurance Associates, Martin & Ellen Rosenman, Sahn Ward & Baker, PLLC, Harvey & Marcie Schechter, Signature Bank, Ruth & Michael Slade, Marjorie Solferino, Spector Group, The Haber Family, York International Agency, Nancy & Sammy Aaron, Alfieri Painting & Decorating, Andrews International, Bank of Smithtown, Cliff & Karen Blasberg, Kenneth R. Burnstein DDS, Lisa & David Caslow, Checkered Flaf Bus & Auto Center, Complete Office Supply Warehouse Corp., Fallon Trading Company, Robert & Lauri Fine, Scott & Laurie Fortunoff, Dr. & Mrs. Marvin Garelick, H&H Purchasing Services LLC, Alison & James Kallman, Beth & Jonathan Kern, Lesters of Greenvale, Donna & Robert Liebowitz, Janet & Avery Lipman, Michael & Pecoriello Family, Philip J. Hahn Foundation, Sondra Posner, Matthew Rosencranz, Rebecca & Morty Schaja, The Disability Fund and Linda & Alex Weiss.
4th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Children's Fun Run
It was oppressively hot day on a notoriously difficult course, but runners and walkers came out in droves on Sunday, June 6, 2010 for Sid Jacobson JCC’s 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run to show their support for Strength to Strength, the community center’s free adult cancer wellness program funded by the Beth C. Tortolani Foundation. Competitors shattered personal records and claimed age group medal medals with Matthew Murillo of Roslyn and Michelle McCullers of Hempstead winning the male and female overall awards.
However, the real stars were the cancer survivors. Gail King of Dix Hills, Ms. Senior America 2009 and a 36-year breast cancer survivor, praised the Strength to Strength program and the courage of its participants.
“Strength to Strength assists survivors physically, emotionally and spiritually and helps them maintain a positive attitude,” King said in a speech to the crowd. “You must never give up.” Program participants showed no signs of giving in, joining the other runners and walkers in the 3.1 mile race. Susan White, a cancer survivor, placed first in the 60-64 female age range.
“I’m very proud that the 5K Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run is able to aid such a valuable program,” Adrian Sadowski, Personal Training Director and event organizer, said. “It’s a great day of athleticism and support for those fighting and recovering from cancer in our community.”
For the past several years, the Beth C. Tortolani Foundation has provided funding to ensure Strength to Strength is free to the community. In keeping with this, funds from the 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run will help enhance the program and to continue to sustain those who need assistance the most. The 5K Committee and Strength to Strength would like to thank their generous sponsors for their donations: Steinway Court Veterinarian, Long Island Medical Anesthesiology, A/X Armani Exchange, Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy, Rhea Goodman, Barbara Landa, Gloria Kass, Penn Toyota-Scion, Myra Marcus, LDI, Greenvale Chemist & Surgical Co., Inc., Tinette & Joel Sterling, Applause Learning Resources, Amilia & Edward Smith, Botts Service Center Inc., Avis Rent A Car, The Litt Family, Cuomo Maier Family, Judy Baum, Nancy Waldbaum, Camp Experts & Teen Summers, Wasix Realty Corp., Gym Source, Hair Club-Staten Island, Edith Artzt, Geraldine Armenio, Herbert & Mari Beth Finn, Rising Tide, Precor, Barbara Divack, Anni Schroeder, Eugene Richie & Rosanne Wasserman, Michele Engelbert, Anne Leeds, Catherine & Joseph Gillen, Arena Oncology Assoc PC, Larry & Marcia Atlas, Evelyn Burack, Dr. Cyd Charrow, Nassau Candy Inc., Leslie & Randy Hight, Evelyn M. Graham, Power Prep Inc, Shirley & Phillip Siegal, The Canner Family, Sterling Glen of Roslyn, Blanche Meth, Carolynn Dubicki-Eldercare Advisor, Marina Trowbridge, Bertha Schachter, Roslyn Rescue Fire Company, Leonard Mansky, Stan & Sarah Wasserman, and Roberta & Joel Levine.
For more information on special events, contact Jeannie Cardali, Special Events Coordinator at 516-484-1545, ext. 141, jcardali@sjjcc.org
