Party 4 a Purpose at Latke Ball 2008
Challah Back is off to a blazing start so it is an honor to be invited to write a post about our upcoming Latke Ball on Dec. 24 at Ruby Skye! As we do every year about this time, Latke Ball 2008 is going to close down the year in style. With close to 1,000 partygoers annually, the event is no stranger to those active in the San Francisco Jewish community. Did you know, however, that about half of the attendees each year are at their first Federation-sponsored event? It’s true – from recent college grads to other young adults new to the Bay Area, hundreds of young Jewish adults discover Jewish SF at the Latke Ball.
So, for the hundreds of people we’re meeting for the first time and the hundreds who’ve known us for years, what’s so special about this event? First off, my co-chair Lex and I care about tikkun olam, and we wanted to include a good cause from the minute we began planning. This year a portion of the proceeds will go to Camp Tawonga, the Jewish summer camp near Yosemite National Park. Specifically, we will fund scholarships for children to attend the camp in 2009. We’re excited to be able to support kids in need and know everyone will rally around the cause!
Secondly, as the event supports all the great programming of YAD – from Blue Monday happy hours to educational series and tzedakah – we wanted to pimp the party so everyone has something to get excited about. This year we have enhanced the event with VIP table packages and an exclusive cocktail and dessert party. VIPs will enjoy hosted champagne from Barefoot Bubbly and premium organic (and kosher) Prairie Vodka. As a way of thanking our highest level of donors, Ben Gurion Society members will have entry to the VIP party included with their general admission tickets. Don’t miss out on the fun – get your VIP tickets now! Finally, there will be all the great music and good times you expect from Latke Ball. DJ Solomon is back for the fourth year running to spin your favorite jams. Before him, DJ Danman will get the party going with a selection of beats he has literally traveled the world to assemble. Once again, Ruby Skye is the beautiful venue for the event. To top it off, rumor has it that the legendary luge ice sculpture will make another appearance.
It has been a pleasure to work with the team to put this event together. A special thank you to Stephanie Brown, Lex Kershner, Andrea Skor, Jordan Sills and the Latke Ball team: Tamara Wolfson, Nira Goren, Nicole Miller, Ryan Cohen, Erin Leonard, Jennifer Goldstein and Aren Sandersen. Ron Shmargad at AMS Printing has also done some timely miracle-work by printing our beautiful postcards for the event. I speak for all of us when I say leave the Netflix at home and bring your swag to Ruby Skye on Dec. 24!
Nathaniel, Latke Ball Co-Chair, Young Adults Division Board
