Invitations often set the tone of an event, and Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation’s colorful appeal to its annual benefit on Nov. 5, Mensches & Merriment, provided hints of the fun (and some serious business) to come.
Upon arrival, guests entered the congregation’s social hall, which was transformed into a magnificent ballroom with beautiful table decorations, clothed-covered chairs and uplighting.
Dvash Catering created a kosher menu which included passed hors d’oeuvres, then a seated dinner of a mango salad, French roast or chicken Marsala served with Moroccan rice and mixed vegetables (the vegetarian entrée option was a stuffed Portobello mushroom), Challah rolls, and finished with a Napoleon with berries.
A silent auction of deluxe items including jewelry and art was joined by a raffle of five restaurant gift certificate bundles that included Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Shogun, and Trey Yuen, among others.
The party also took the time to honor members, “Mensches,” of the congregation for their many decades of support: Drs. Fran and Barry Ivker, Rochelle Sackett, Diane and Mark Schleifstein, Janice Stern and the late Dr. Louis Stern, and Judge Miriam and Bruce Waltzer. A nice touch was that the honorees had jars dedicated to them in which people could leave messages to thank them for their service and generosity.
Event co-chairs were Barbara Kaplinksy and Carole Cukell Neff.
Fun Fact: The Top Cats performed music from the ‘50s through the ‘90s to an adoring crowd who were dancing even before the final dish was served!
