On Saturday, February 1, over 200 Baltimore young adults donned glittering attire and packed into The Butterfly Room for a night of drinks and dancing to support a great cause at the YAD Generosity Gala. In keeping with the “Hidden Gems” theme, the room dazzled in jewel-tone decor that glistened against The Butterfly Room’s industrial chic backdrop.
The evening commenced at 6:45 p.m. with the Ben Gurion Society (BGS) pre-reception honoring young adult donors who contributed $1,000 or more to the Annual Campaign. This intimate gathering allowed BGS members to socialize and enjoy hors d’oeuvres before the main program began. Guests heard from gala co-chairs, Jake Hiller-Spevack, Sarah Jacobs and Sarenka Smith, who thanked them for their generosity and reminded them of the important work that they helped to fund with their gifts.
At 7:45, guests for the main event began pouring in. The room quickly filled with attendees in sparkling outfits, set to the tone of a live DJ playing an exhilarating selection of crowd-pleasing favorites. Twinkle lights shimmered overhead as guests mingled and explored the breathtaking venue.
Throughout the night, attendees were encouraged to peruse the selection of items available for bidding in YAD’s first-ever silent auction. Some of the items included a stay in an Ocean City beach house, a professional photography session, Orioles tickets seated behind the dugout and a private dinner with President and CEO Andrew Cushnir.
Once the gala was in full swing, the event co-chairs greeted the crowd and discussed the importance of The Associated’s work in building Jewish community. They emphasized the crucial needs that gifts to The Associated help to address, including social services, mental health support, combating antisemitism and fostering a strong sense of identity.
At the conclusion of the co-chairs’ speech, the lights lowered and it was time to hit the dance floor. The room was lively as dancers took over, relishing in the company of their fellow young adults.
As the evening wound down, guests left with a jewel-tone stick of rock candy and a feeling of fulfillment, knowing that their attendance helped contribute to The Associated’s mission of making a better life for Jewish communities in Baltimore and around the globe.
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List