Seeking Nominations for "The Real Mensches of Minneapolis"

You read that right. Nominations now being accepted for “The Real Mensches of Minneapolis.”  An award from the Minneapolis Jewish Federation recognizing the good work of local Jewish community members, ages 21-45.
Pretty awesome.
And you don’t even need to look like a supermodel to win it.
For those not in the know, a mensch is a Yiddish word meaning “a person of integrity.”  And there’s no doubt in my mind that the Fed is right on in its press release for this award when they say: “For over 80 years the Minneapolis Jewish Federation has been supported by mensches, who help meet the mission to build community, care for the welfare of Jews everywhere and maximize participation in Jewish life.”
So why should you nominate yourself, or your volunteering partner, or your neighbor? You mean, in addition to the coolness of geting the title of “Real Mensch of Minneapolis”? Well…
On April 21, the Minneapolis Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership division is hosting Andy Cohen at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley. Andy Cohen is the popular host of Watch What Happens Live and the Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development for BRAVO’s hit shows: The Real Housewives, Top Chef, Millionaire Matchmaker, Flipping Out and more. Local radio and television personality, Melinda Jacobs, will emcee.
Winners of The Real Mensches of Minneapolis award will receive a ticket package that includes premier seating for two at the Andy Cohen event, an invitation to the VIP reception prior to the event, a photo with Andy Cohen and more.  That ticket package is valued at… $500 dollars! (Don’t worry – for those who don’t get the Mensch award, you can score a ticket on April 21st for as little as $50).  The winners’ profiles will also be featured on TCJewfolk.com!
To be considered, a nominee must be 21-45 years old and contribute to the Jewish community through the Minneapolis Jewish Federation or one if its partner agencies as a donor or volunteer. Nominations will be accepted through February 28, March 12, 2012 (DEADLINE EXTENDED).
But wait, you’re saying… who are the Minneapolis Jewish Federation’s partner agencies? Here’s the list.  If you haven’t already volunteered/ donated/ supported the Federation or at least one of these organizations in some way or another, you should.

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School, Bais Yaakov High School, Bet Shalom Congregational School, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization – North Star Region, Camp Scholarship Fund, Enrichment, Development and Growth for Educators (EDGE), Hillel: University of Minnesota, Immigrant and Refugee Services, Israel Center, Jewish Agency For Israel, Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, Minneapolis Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities, National Agencies, Rimon: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, Sabes Jewish Community Center, Sha’arim, Shi Tikvah Congregation, Sholom Community Alliance, Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, Temple Israel Congregational School, Torah Academy, Twin Cities Government Affairs Program

So what are you waiting for? Nominate yourself, or a friend here.

And click here for more information about the Andy Cohen event on April 21st!  Good luck!