The rain didn’t spoil the National Council of Jewish Women’s annual gala because the committee moved the previously scheduled outdoor elevated drive-in movie experience into the Gates of Prayer Synagogue for a festive and safe night. The organization’s major fundraiser of the year, the goal of the event was to “raise friends” and funds for the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans, which strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Gala attendees were able to relax and watch the movie Dirty Dancing together and pose in photo stations designed to look as though they came straight out of classic Hollywood films. An individually packaged dinner provided by the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute included an Israeli salad, knish, a choice of stewed beef tips or smoked mushrooms and gigante beans, roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus. The meal was completed by a dark chocolate ganache tart.
Tana Velen served as Chair. Committee Leaders included NCJW President Susan Hess, who also delivered remarks, Vice President Barbara Greenberg and Patron Chair Loel Samuel. Committee Members included Patty Barnett, Tiffany Cotlar, Barbara Kaplinsky, Beverly Katz, Susan Kierr, Sara Lewis, Gail Pesses, Joyce Pulitzer, Flo Schornstein, Dana Shepard and Kathy Shepard.
Major Sponsors were Susan and Bill Hess; Louis A. and Lillian L. Glazer Family Foundation; Latter & Blum, Inc.; Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer; and Karen and Leopold Sher.
Top Patrons included Babs & J.E. Isaacson Memorial Fund at JEF; The Bissinger-Timm Family; Ana and Dr. Juan Gershanik; Janie Glade; Cathy & Charles Glaser; Jane Goldring; Dr. Margie Kahn and David Graham; Tricia and Rick Kirschman; Lori and Bobby Savoie; Sandra Chass Goldsmith; Barbara Greenberg; Beverly Katz; Sue Singer; Florence Schornstein; Judge Miriam Waltzer; Ina and Rick Davis; Betty Kohn; Carole Neff; Kathy and Hal Shepard; and Dana and Louis Shepard.
Event At A Glance
What: “A Night Under the Stars Gala,” benefiting National Council of Jewish Women GNO
When: Saturday, April 17
Where: Gates of Prayer Synagogue
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Bill and President Susan Hess
Karen Sher, Dr. Margie Kahn, Beverly Katz and Robin Giarrusso
Richard and Vivian Cahn
Committee Members Dana Shepard and Susan Kierr with Tricia Kirschman
Committee Members Gail Pesses, Sara Lewis and Kathy Shepard
