What do Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, John Belushi and Gilda Radner have in common? They were all part of Chicago’s legendary improvisational comedy theatre known as “The Second City” which helped to launch the careers of many generations of comedy’s best and brightest. You won’t want to miss this must see show on April 2, 2016 at the Alper JCC’s 20th Annual Special Needs Fundraiser at the Sablotsky Cultural Arts Center. Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, The Second City is currently celebrating 55 years of producing cutting edge satirical revues. The show features the best sketches and songs from their celebrated history as well as new material.
Prior to The Second City performance, there will be a Silent Auction and Cocktail reception. Patrons will have the chance to bid on fantastic dinners, exciting travel destinations, entertainment, spa treatments, jewelry, sports memorabilia and much more! Cocktails will be served while patrons greet old friends, bid on their favorite items and help raise funds for the special needs programs at the JCC. After the performance, guests will be treated to a lavish dessert reception. All desserts are donated by local caterers and specialty bakers in our community.
During this very special night, we will be honoring Judy and Dr. Robert Mezey for their dedication in starting the Special Needs program at the Alper JCC.
“Bob and I had a need twenty-five years ago and that is why the Special Needs program started,” said Judy Mezey. “We were so fortunate to have the Alper JCC respond in such a positive way to our needs.”
They envisioned a program where children with special needs would be welcomed into a recreational and social program geared toward their abilities. Today the JCC offers summer and winter camp, teen and adult clubs, fitness programs, field trips and more. The program serves more than 70 children and adults. Judy and Bob have always been there to ensure high quality programming and make sure there was funding to support these programs. Providing for individuals with Special Needs has always been a central part of the lives of Judy and Bob. Judy’s brother has special needs as well as their son, Barry. We will also be recognizing Judy and Bob’s aunt and uncle, Joan and Milton Bagley for their generosity over the years in supporting this vital community service.
Milton Bagley stated, “We want to support the extraordinary work of our niece and nephew, Judy and Bob Mezey. Also, the Alper JCC is an organization where the results of our contribution is apparent every day.”
Proceeds from this event support the Shirley and Chester Paul Special Needs Program at the JCC which offers dynamic activities for children, teens and adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Scholarships are also provided for families that need assistance.
Many companies and individuals support the Special Needs program and sponsorships are available at all levels beginning at $360 which includes two tickets to the evening and special recognition. Tickets are $75 general admission, $125 patron and $65 per person for groups of 10 or more. Please contact Marsha Botkin at 305-271-9000 ext. 272, send an email to specialneedsevent@alperjcc.org for more information or log onto www.alperjcc.org.
The Dave and Mary Alper JCC on the Jay Morton Levinthal Campus in Kendall provides recreational, educational, cultural and social programs for the entire community. The JCC’s extensive facilities include a complete fitness center, a preschool and after school programs, summer and specialty camps, a cultural arts center and programmed activities for adults and seniors. For complete information, log onto www.alperjcc.org or call 305-271-9000.
