Three hundred people gathered at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades on Saturday, December 6, to celebrate Big Night Out, where three extraordinary couples–Merle and Fred Fish, Amy and Mark Shirvan and Danielle and Doug Kaplan–were honored for their instrumental roles in making the JCC a centerpiece of the local community.
Guests were greeted by gifted young violinists from the JCC Thurnauer School of Music, then attended an elegant cocktail reception, where they dined, socialized and toasted current JCC achievements. The apex of the evening was the award ceremony for the honorees and video presentations featuring testimonials from people whose lives have been significantly impacted through their association with the JCC. Proceeds from the event support programs and services at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades.
“This event gives us the opportunity to recognize people, like our honorees, who give their time, leadership and dedication to make our Center the dynamic, welcoming home it is for our community,” says JCC Chief Executive Officer Avi A. Lewinson.
Merle and Fred Fish, generous second-generation leaders of the JCC, have roots extending back to Fred’s father, who was one of the Center’s founders. They were introduced by JFNNJ CEO Jason Shames, who spoke of the couple’s allegiance to the JCC and other organizations that embrace Jewish life and tradition. In her remarks, Merle spoke of how meaningful it is to her to be part of the JCC family that does so much for so many, strengthening the Jewish community.
Amy and Mark Shirvan, both Tenafly natives who unfailing support the JCC mission, were introduced by their daughters, Leigh and Randi, who spoke of the JCC as a second home for their entire family. In recognizing their award, Mark credited his parents, who were JCC founding members with a passion for their community, and how he aspired to live by their example.
Danielle and Doug Kaplan were introduced by their 10-year-old son, Jack, who spoke with pride about his parents as caring community leaders. Danielle and Doug come from a strong heritage of Jewish philanthropy. When Doug addressed the gathering, he credited his parents, JCC founding members, for teaching him to think of others and credited Danielle for instilling the same values in their three children. Danielle, in turn, spoke of the JCC as the place where she, Doug and their children have made some of their closest friends, and how their involvement at the Center has shaped many of their most memorable family traditions.
The evening ended with dancing and dessert, where guests celebrated the JCC as a pinnacle for Jewish life and culture. For more information on how to support the JCC and its programming, please call JCC Chief Development Officer Jeff Nadler at 201.408.1412 or [email protected].
