The Benefit’s 40 and Under Committee (L to R: Benjie Kaplan, Samantha Rosenberg, Lisa Stein, Drea Lear, Mollie Mayeron, Libby Parker, Josh Awend)
I’ve only been to a few annual organizational benefits in my life. Each has been fairly similar in structure and program – a cocktail hour, a sit-down dinner, speeches honoring the contributions of some pretty great people, and an auction of sorts. This year the Sabes JCC is shaking it up a bit with their upcoming annual event, “Better Together,” and I couldn’t be more excited!
May 17th will be a unique experience. “We are throwing the old model out the door,” said Joshua Wert, CEO. “Lots of fun food stations will replace the sit-down dinner. No long speeches, just plenty of time to visit with old friends and make new ones. No formal attire – casual cool looks are welcome. We still want to deliver a message and raise money, but the primary purpose is to ensure that everyone has a great time and engages as a community.”
Why ‘Better Together?’ Because when the Jewish community works together, great things happen. This is the inspiration for the event. The evening will celebrate the collaborative spirit of our multigenerational Jewish community, with a spotlight on many local agencies, organizations and synagogues that partner together to enhance our community, make us stronger, and make our community so exceptional.
The night will include activities for all ages. Everything from an “Interactive Video Playground” to an art installation that will be created that night using our selfies and photos taken at the event. There will be a Video Booth to share ideas and stories about our community. We will also have the opportunity to help shape the future of our community through iPad surveys. And, the night will be capped off by rocking out to 80’s cover songs with a favorite local band, Stereo Kitchen.
And, I have to mention that this event will also recognize my dad, Steve Lear as “Community Innovator of the Year” for his vision and work in the area of enhancing community collaborations. He is one of the Founders of Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster, speaks to churches and schools about Israel dozens of times each year, and has been a leader and inspirational advocate for the idea that we are ‘Better Together.’
So, the ‘Better Together’ Benefit is for everyone who values a strong local Jewish community and who wants to have a unique community experience. I want to invite all of you to join me. Come to the party, be part of the “Better Together” Revolution, and support the dozens of programs and services offered at the Sabes JCC for kids, families, seniors, people with special needs, and the entire community.
The ‘Better Together’ Benefit will take place on Sunday, May 17 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Great Lakes Ballroom. Doors open at 5pm and people are encouraged to arrive promptly so as not to miss any of the surprises planned. The J wants young adults to be able to be a huge part of this event, so we created a lower ticket price, $75 each. Under 30? Tickets are only $50. (Remember, the night includes great food, unique entertainment, a dance band, and free parking!)
Understandably, for some, the ticket price might still be outside your budget, and we do not want that to prevent you from attending. Please contact Reida at [email protected] as there are options available.
All proceeds from the event support the community building programs of the Sabes JCC, including the Early Childhood Center, Summer Camp scholarships and the J’s many community collaborations.
