JF&CS Tasting Fundraiser Hosts Record Crowd

Excitement from this year’s Tasting Experience continues to resonate throughout the community — and if you were among the 720 guests who packed into The Stave Room on May 1, you already know why. The food? Show-stopping. The drink and desserts? Next-level. The vibe? Electric. From the first bite to the final bidding war at the silent auction, this beloved annual fundraiser from Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) was bursting with flavor, joy, and community spirit.

But beneath the glitz, glamor, and gourmet grazing, every ticket, toast, and cheer supported something far greater: the vital programs that empower adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDS) to live independently, find meaningful work, and shine in their communities.

“This is more than an event — it’s a celebration of our mission and the people at the heart of it,” said JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff, who welcomed the crowd and gave special thanks to event co-chairs Michele Hirsch, Louise Samsky, and Michelle Simon. She also reflected on the spirit of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, and its themes of resilience and community strength — values echoed throughout the evening.

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That spirit came to life in one of the night’s most moving moments, when Bonoff introduced Susan Berch as the 2025 Champion of Inclusion. A former JF&CS client and now a longtime staff member, Berch was honored for her courage, dedication, and advocacy for herself and her peers to help make the world more inclusive for those with disabilities.

Terri Bonoff, Susan Berch, Michelle Simon // Photo by Grapefruit Photo

Berch shared, “It made me feel proud, and I was overwhelmed. My favorite part was seeing my friends and family. My cousin came all the way from Birmingham to be with me. I love the award itself, and it sits on my coffee table. I feel appreciated (at JF&CS), that people appreciate what I do. If I can help people out, it makes me feel wanted and like I belong.”

Hirsch, Samsky, and Simon added, “As event co-chairs, we were especially moved to see JF&CS truly walk the walk when it comes to inclusion. Honoring Susan Berch — someone who has dedicated 30 years to the organization — with the Champion of Inclusion Award was incredibly powerful. It made us all feel even more proud to be part of this year’s Tasting Experience Team.”

The real showstoppers of the night? The Tasting Experience Choir — a powerhouse group of 14 IDDS clients and four Direct Support Professionals who brought down the house with a set of rock anthems from Journey and Phil Collins, while closing with a song to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. Dressed to the nines and full of pride, the choir was a living, singing testament to the evening’s purpose.

Event co-chairs Michelle Simon, Louise Samsky, Michele Hirsch // Photo by Grapefruit Photo

The night offered no shortage of indulgent eats and sips. Guests moved easily through the space, with beverages set up in the center of the main room and food vendors lining the perimeter — no long waits, just good conversation and even better bites. A cozy dessert lounge in a side room provided the perfect retreat, where guests relaxed with sweets and drinks.

Stuart Fierman of Fifth Group Restaurants welcomed guests at Alma Cocina and Lure with Seared Tuna Tacos and Salmon Gravlax. Erin and Moshe Lis of Added Touch Catering dished up a spicy curry stew, while Tal Postelnik Baum of Oliva Restaurant Group arrived with Noam Laks as they represented her Buckhead seafood concept, Carmel, with refreshing Tuna Tartare.

Other highlights included longtime favorite Les Retter of High Roller Sushi, who noted that Atlanta’s film and golf scenes have his business “lit,” and Pricci’s chef Jonah Jacobson — an alumnus of both the Weber and Epstein Schools — who served Dill-Cured Wild Salmon on Pizelle with Crème Fraiche.

Atlanta content creators Skye Estoff (@sky.estroff), Andrea Andrade (@theandreaandrade), Liz Attaway (@adventuresinatlanta) // Photo by Grapefruit Photo

Three rising stars made strong debuts: Chef Matt Marcus teased his upcoming Roswell restaurant, Truth Be Told, with an inventive, “Watermelon x2,” and gazpacho pairing. Tre Vele’s Mike Davis also delivered a memorable watermelon dish.

East Cobb newcomer Reunion made its mark with tomato gazpacho shooters from Ilene Kapper Oxman, her daughter, Aly, and Executive Chef Santiago Echavarria. And in a crowd favorite, Liat Tzionov of The Crazy Apron served a quartet of traditional Bukharian dishes, showcasing flavor, heart, and heritage.

Guests sipped their way through wines and spirits curated by Mark Brown of The Wine Shop, and those skipping the alcohol enjoyed “Yom Ha’atzmaut Mocktails” like Pomegranate Spritz and minty Limonana.

The silent auction buzzed with excitement, showcasing items such as art, jewelry, experiences and more. One dazzling piece — a Swarovski Crystal ‘Star of David’ purse — sparked a bidding frenzy and a lot of admiring glances. JF&CS clients proudly presented their own creations in the “Artist Collective.”

Longtime attendees Harold Cohn and Mark Kopkin lingered at the NFA Burger station. “This is my 20th Tasting,” said Kopkin, president of the Jewish National Fund. “It just keeps getting better.”

The Tasting Experience Choir entertained the evening’s guests // Photo by Grapefruit Photo

Whether you came for the cuisine or the cause — or both — The Tasting Experience proved once again why it’s one of Atlanta’s most anticipated annual events. The joy in the room was unmistakable, the sense of purpose even more so.

“The Tasting Experience was a resounding success — made ever so special by the outpouring of attendees, the delicious food, and our extraordinary clients whose voices of song brought down the house! Thank you to our outstanding chairs, event committee and JF&CS staff,” said Bonoff.

Couldn’t make it this year? You were missed — but it’s not too late to be part of the impact. Visit jfcsatl.org to support IDDS programs that empower lives every day, and mark your calendars now: The Tasting Experience returns April 30, 2026.

JF&CS Marketing contributed to this report.