Extra Confetti for Garfinkel Gathering
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Extra Confetti for Garfinkel Gathering

Ali Garfinkel’s birthday brunch was an occasion to remember.

By Robyn Spizman Gerson November 17, 2021, 5:44 pm Edit

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.

  • Ali, Poppy and Marc Garfinkel celebrating and blowing out the candles on Ali’s custom cake.
    Ali, Poppy and Marc Garfinkel celebrating and blowing out the candles on Ali’s custom cake.
  • Ali, Poppy and Marc Garfinkel celebrating and blowing out the candles on Ali’s custom cake.
    Ali, Poppy and Marc Garfinkel celebrating and blowing out the candles on Ali’s custom cake.
  • Dani, 9, and Poppy, 2, join Aunt Ali and mom for her 35th birthday brunch celebration.
    Dani, 9, and Poppy, 2, join Aunt Ali and mom for her 35th birthday brunch celebration.
  • Balloon installation by Balloons Over Atlanta added a festive backdrop for the intimate brunch.
    Balloon installation by Balloons Over Atlanta added a festive backdrop for the intimate brunch.
  • Alli Marbach created a chocolate confetti cake with a chocolate chip explosion covered in sprinkles.
    Alli Marbach created a chocolate confetti cake with a chocolate chip explosion covered in sprinkles.
  • A chocolate chip cake in honor of beloved Aunt Lois Blonder’s birthday.
    A chocolate chip cake in honor of beloved Aunt Lois Blonder’s birthday.

On Facebook, Ali Garfinkel celebrated her 35th birthday with her yearly fundraiser to raise awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Exceeding her fundraising goal, Garfinkel chose this organization as the LLS is a global leader in the fight against cancer, devoted to curing blood cancers and improving lives. The LLS is a cause that is close to Ali’s heart, and by all standards, this year’s birthday was a triumphant celebration.

Garfinkel, who has been in remission for two years following a lymphoma diagnosis, certainly had a reason to celebrate. Previously, as well as over the past few years, the family has done their best, with great big yard signs and drive bys. Even Ali’s daughter, Poppy, had her baby naming take place via Zoom, with Rabbi Josh Heller officiating at the synagogue and just a few family members present. As Ali’s 35th birthday approached — and the milestone of almost two years in remission — it was time to celebrate.

Dani, 9, and Poppy, 2, join Aunt Ali and mom for her 35th birthday brunch celebration.

An intimate, patio-style brunch celebration was scheduled at Haven, a popular Brookhaven destination, which was ideal for the occasion. The small family gathering was a big mission, and Haven prepared a beautiful estate table on their well-appointed patio. Leave it to Gayle Rubenstein of Balloons Over Atlanta, who arrived early to install a festive balloon arch in Ali’s favorite colors of blush, pink, gold and white. The balloons of all shapes and sizes formed a cascade next to the table, adding an exquisite touch of birthday magic.

Alli Marbach created a chocolate confetti cake with a chocolate chip explosion covered in sprinkles.

Following a delicious brunch with a southern touch of powdered sugar beignets and all the trimmings, a decadent dessert arrived that earned oohs and ahs from those assembled. Ali’s birthday cake was a tall, skillfully decorated affair created by Alli Marbach of Cakeology Atlanta, who is now officially headquartered at Temple Sinai. The confetti cake was drenched in chocolate and chocolate chips, since Poppy, who dressed up as one for Halloween that year, loves chocolate chips. The confetti cake was similar to the one that Ali and husband Marc had at their wedding seven years earlier. With a modern twist, topped with chocolate candy bars and kisses of all sorts, it was a gorgeous edible creation.

Poppy was thrilled with the balloons and gladly shared the duty of blowing out the candles with her mom. She also had her own cupcake, topped with a floral poppy flower. The icing on the cake was beloved aunt, Lois Blonder, who was also celebrating her November birthday this month. Aunt Lois is truly timeless in style, attitude and personality and she is the youngest person at heart you’ll ever know.

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