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SAN FRANCISCO

JCRC

jcrcbehindthescenes2020.org

JCRC’s March 11 gala was one of the first event casualties of the shelter-in-place orders, and the creative team quickly took it virtual. “Behind the Scenes” featured online tributes to the honorees, including UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ and former JCRC director Rita Semel, along with creative fundraising that netted them almost 100 percent of their goal. Another silver lining: The virtual presence made the gala much more public, enabling JCRC to present its stories directly to the community.

EAST BAY

B’nai Tikvah

Walnut Creek
(925) 933-5397  •  tikvah.org

Another team of ingenious fundraisers planned and executed Congregation B’nai Tikvah’s Roaring ’20s theme for its June 6 gala. Knowing in advance of the SIP orders, the gala organizers were able to avoid expenses such as canceled venue and meals, offering instead a special on a takeout dinner from Tal’s Patisserie, a favorite local eatery, with part of the dinner proceeds benefiting the gala. The event was successful, bringing in 45 percent of the synagogue’s annual fundraising goal.

SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA

Kehillah Jewish High School

PALO ALTO
(650) 213-9600  •  kehillah.org/gala

Kehillah did an amazing job rallying from their SIP-fated Gatsby-themed gala to Gala in Place. An inspiring tapestry of wonderful music, parent and student presentations, discussions of staff and alumni prompted much needed support. A reflective moment was provided by Rabbi Darren Kleinberg, offering a moving acknowledgement to the Black Lives Matter movement. Dr. Daisy Pellant, incoming Head of School, spoke about her appreciation of the school and her commitment for the future. The event can be seen at kehillah.org/gala.

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