Children’s Scholarship Ball raises more than $1M for youngsters to attend JCC early childhood programs and camps
Amid the dazzling display of Vintage Vegas glitz and glamour, the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC’s 36th annual Children’s Scholarship Ball was particularly special this year as it celebrated the legacy of the Children’s Scholarship Fund’s founder Irvin Kaplan. The event honored Irvin’s son, Joe Kaplan, along with Murray Kalmin, for their longstanding commitment to supporting local children and families.
The Ball took place at the Westin Galleria on Saturday, Feb. 28. Under the dedicated leadership of Ball chair Lizzy Kamkahgi, auction co-chairs Arin and Henry Freedman and program chair Jodi Rubenstein, the event broke fundraising records by raising more than $1 million for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.
This fund provides financial assistance for the J’s early childhood education and camp programs, opening doors that otherwise would be closed to many families and children.
Funds support scholarships for children to attend the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy, Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School, Sherry Merfish Infant Care Program, Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program and J Camps.
“It was so heartwarming to see the overwhelming turnout for the Children’s Scholarship Ball and the extreme generosity from the Houston Jewish community,” said JCC CEO Larry Skolnick.
“This incredible support ensures every child can receive a quality early childhood education and experience the magic of J Camps, regardless of a family’s financial situation. Saturday night was a reminder to me of how proud, honored and privileged I am to be a part of this community. Thank you to the impressive group of volunteers and staff who made the Ball a reality and mazel tov once again to Joe and Murray.”
More than 550 people attended the Ball. They enjoyed the Vintage Vegas-themed reception, complete with lounge singer, Elvis impersonator and showgirls, while perusing and bidding on more than 200 auction items.
The main event began with a heartwarming video introduction from the JCC preschoolers and Skolnick, followed by a seated dinner, paddles-up auction and remarks from honorees and lay leaders.
A highlight of the evening was teenager Ella Bibi’s beautiful rendition of Hodaya Hayut’s song, “You Have Yourself.”
A longtime participant of the J’s youth and theater program, Bibi had relocated to Houston from Israel with her family.
As a young girl in a new country with a new language, being part of the J’s youth and theater program gave her a sense of community, confidence and identity as she discovered her extraordinary talents for singing and performing. Her performance at the Ball demonstrated the significant impact the J has on instilling courage, purpose and joy in the younger generation.
Echoing Skolnick’s words, the JCC leadership is deeply grateful to the donors who broke fundraising records with their generous giving. This iconic night, celebrating the strength and unity of Jewish community philanthropy, is down in the books as one for the ages.