JF&CS Tasting Sells Out for Good Cause
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JF&CS Tasting Sells Out for Good Cause

A record crowd of hungry supporters showed up to support the JF&CS Independent living Program.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe May 10, 2023, 11:13 am Edit

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

  • Added Touch’s Sandra Bank asked her staff to wear bowties to honor Jerry Horowitz.
    Added Touch’s Sandra Bank asked her staff to wear bowties to honor Jerry Horowitz.
  • (Left) Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS toasted the late Jerry Horowitz, along with Pearlann Horowitz and Michelle (right).
    (Left) Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS toasted the late Jerry Horowitz, along with Pearlann Horowitz and Michelle (right).
  • Ross Kogon, “dressed for success,” posed with Vanessa and Isaac Frank, event co-chairs.
    Ross Kogon, “dressed for success,” posed with Vanessa and Isaac Frank, event co-chairs.
  • Isabelle Gouldin chatted with Michael and Caren Merlin, honorary co-chairs.
    Isabelle Gouldin chatted with Michael and Caren Merlin, honorary co-chairs.
  • Sara Kogon’s fav was the ceviche from The Select.
    Sara Kogon’s fav was the ceviche from The Select.
  • Clients of the JF&CS independent living program had fun mingling and dancing. (Left) Sister Laurie Besmertnik, mother, Bonnie, came to support Todd (right) a happy program participant.
    Clients of the JF&CS independent living program had fun mingling and dancing. (Left) Sister Laurie Besmertnik, mother, Bonnie, came to support Todd (right) a happy program participant.
  • Libations Chair Mark Brown is flanked by his parents, Joan and Donald Brown, who were among the original founders.
    Libations Chair Mark Brown is flanked by his parents, Joan and Donald Brown, who were among the original founders.
  • Les Retter, of High Roller Sushi, was a popular choice table choice.
    Les Retter, of High Roller Sushi, was a popular choice table choice.

The annual Tasting event returned May 4 to the spacious Stave Room. Now in its 23rd year, the event benefits the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of Jewish Family & Career Services.

The Z-H ILP is an individualized, nonsectarian, supportive living program that enables those with disabilities to live as independently as possible. JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff officially began the event by toasting the Horowitz’s continued commitment to the program over its evolution and in special memory of Jerry Horowitz.

 

(Left) Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS toasted the late Jerry Horowitz, along with Pearlann Horowitz and Michelle (right).

Honorary chair Pearlann Horowitz welcomed the sponsors and said, “We are seeing the sunlight after COVID. Our residents have traveled to beaches, Charleston, Israel, and sometimes they took vans or buses. Life is thriving. And this is a long goodbye, as we age, they age. Jerry (who passed away last year) and I started this program and need new people to take the reins under this umbrella that involves so many functions like shopping and cooking and health care. One of the reasons Jerry and I endowed this program was in consideration of our daughter, Michelle, who has developmental disabilities. So, let’s toast Jerry, L-dor va-dor.”

As more than 600 guests mingled in the main room, many commented on how easy it was to get to the food based on the layout of the cavernous room. In addition to the rectangle set up of alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) beverages, 20 restaurants, caterers and their managers were on hand to greet tasters and explain their concepts. Art and fun experiences were available by silent auction to benefit the program.

Ross Kogon, “dressed for success,” posed with Vanessa and Isaac Frank, event co-chairs.

Les Retter, of High Roller Sushi, said, “We have supported this meaningful cause over four years. It’s a wonderful organization. I’m happy to contribute, and people really love our sushi.”

Supporter Sara Kogon frequented The Select’s ceviche and declared, “This is the best dish here!”

Isabelle Gouldin chatted with Michael and Caren Merlin, honorary co-chairs.

Many of the program’s residents, clad in their “party best,” danced and mingled. Bonnie Besmertnik, mother of Todd, said, “He had done so well after four years in independent living. He loves it and prefers it to coming home.”

The Tasting heralds back 21 years to where it began at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta with Joan and Donald Brown organizing a low-key wine tasting for 130 guests. Son, Mark Brown, still the libations chair, worked with distributors and vendors to provide a vast array of beverages. He said, “This event benefits so many people in allowing them independence in living on their own versus another scenario.”

Sara Kogon’s fav was the ceviche from The Select.

Longtime supporter Sandra Bank, president of Added Touch Catering, shared, “I started my career in Jerry and Pearlann’s home cooking for them and recall how he was so generous and handsome, always wearing a bow tie, hence my staff tonight is wearing them. I’ve participated way back to the beginning hotel venues.”

Fifth Group/Alma Cocina executive Stuart Fierman stated, “We have known the Horowitzes forever and grew up with Michelle who was our sister’s dear friend. She is dear to our heart.”

Longtime participant Todd Ginsburg, of General Muir, was especially motivated to support older adults with disabilities. He served a cuisine of dill, mascarpone, and pickled Napa cabbage.

Bonoff later told the AJT, “The Tasting reflected the heart and soul of Jewish Atlanta – the warmth, vitality and intergenerational spirit coming together to honor the legacy of Jerry Horowitz and commit to the spirit of serving those in our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities for generations to come – L’ador v’dor.”

Clients of the JF&CS independent living program had fun mingling and dancing. (Left) Sister Laurie Besmertnik, mother, Bonnie, came to support Todd (right) a happy program participant.

Participating Restaurants

Added Touch Catering
Alici
Alma Cocina
Aziza
C&S Seafood
Four Fat Cows
The General Muir
Grana
Il Giallo
Haven Restaurant and Bar
High Roller Sushi
Kaiser’s Chophouse
La Grotta
Mission + Market
Morty’s Meat & Supply
Pricci
The Select
South City Kitchen
Zakia
Zest Catering

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