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May 29, 2009
Behind the scenes of a gala
The Jewish Museum and Archives is holding its fundraiser June 3.
OLGA LIVSHIN
A cocktail reception, silent auction, entertainment and more are on offer at the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia's second annual gala, to be held June 3 in the Wosk Auditorium at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.
The theme of this year's celebration is "You Oughta be in Pictures!" Molly Winston, the museum's education co-ordinator, explained, "'You Oughta Be in Pictures' was originally a song, made popular by Ziegfeld Follies, a series of theatrical productions on Broadway in New York from 1907 to 1931."
Janine Johnston, the museum's archivist, pointed out that the name of the gala alludes to the museum's new photo exhibition: Vancouver: Bridging its History, 1895-1980. In addition, the archive's collection includes about 120,000 photographs, documenting the Jewish history of British Columbia. Many Jewish residents of the province – past and present – ought to be in those pictures, so the "tongue-in-cheek" name makes perfect sense. One of the photographs from the archives, a photo of Bertha Breger on a moon, circa 1928, was chosen as the logo of the gala.
Chair of the gala committee Carole Fader has been on the museum's board since its inception in 2007. "The Jewish museum is an important part of our heritage," she said. "We rely on the public to provide the Jewish stories." The museum also relies on the public to provide donations as part of its funding. Fader, an experienced fundraiser, knows how to ask for funds and she revels in her ability to help the museum. "That's our basic purpose for sitting on the board," she said.
Besides her board position, Fader has also been the editor of the Jewish community telephone directory for 30 years. "It's so easy now, with computers and e-mails," she admitted, explaining that her main duty as the editor is selling ads. The funds she raises from the directory go to Vancouver Talmud Torah, the school where all three of her children studied.
Before the telephone directory, Fader plied her fundraising skills for Variety Club in Vancouver, playing a role in raising funds for the new B.C. Children's Hospital. "Three of my grandchildren were born in it after it was built," she said.
Fader regards her multiple tasks as editor and fundraiser as challenging and rewarding. She took to chairing the gala with relish. "Through the years, many Jewish people of the province have been connected to showbiz in one way or another," she said. "Among them were artists and musicians, designers and architects, writers and entertainers. They also donated the items for the silent auction."
The auction, the focus of the gala, will feature diverse items such as paintings and silver jewelry, hotel reservations, food baskets, golf lessons for children, handmade quilts and much more. "The atmosphere will be casual and relaxed," Fader promised. "And there will be entertainment. We have hired magician and master of ceremonies Stephen Kaplan. Every such gathering needs someone with lots of hype, and Kaplan has tons of experience. And Kol Halev will be performing. They are so good!" enthused Fader.
People who have seen Kol Halev performing cannot contain their excitement at the mention of the group's name. An ensemble of volunteer performers, Kol Halev is dedicated to portraying the rich, multi-dimensional fabric of Jewish stories and culture through dance, song, script and music.
The ensemble has approximately 30 members of all ages and social groups. "Our youngest performer started dancing and acting with us last year, when she was 11, and our oldest is probably in his mid-seventies; we don't ask how old people are," said Sue Cohene, the ensemble's artistic producer. "Our multicultural group includes immigrants from the Soviet Union, France, Colombia and the United States and is also mixed in ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds."
Each Kol Halev show is unique, written for the organization that invites them. They integrate various dancing styles – from swing to body percussion – and sing everything from jazz to traditional klezmer. In collaboration with professional choreographers and costume consultants, they produce authentic Jewish shows. They have been museum supporters from the beginning, performing at the opening ceremony in 2007 and at the first gala in 2008. Invited for the third time, they are going to incorporate the gala's theme – pictures – into their show.
"The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. and it won't end until the last guest leaves," said Fader.
Olga Livshin is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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