Any time we have the honor of helping to raise funds for an organization that is dear to us, it reminds is why we love planning fundraisers. And we got to do just that when we planned The Reflections Gala benefitting Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH).

This is the second year in a row we’ve planned this event, and we stuck with our tried and true venue option, The Skirball Cultural Center. Accommodating 300 guests with its spacious foyer and main ballroom, it allowed for a seamless flow from cocktail hour to dinner.

The gala honored Izzy and Marilyn Freeman – two beloved figures in Los Angeles. Izzy (known for his iconic deli in Santa Monica) and Marilyn have contributed greatly to the community – they are true gems of the city, and it was a privilege for us to help in honoring them.

Our greatest challenge with this event was combining the elements of a deli with the elegance of a proper gala. The two certainly seem diametrically opposed, but coupling our expertise with that of our event partners, we were able to meld them into a seamless, successful event.

For the cocktail hour we designed fun deli-themed bar. With hanging deli meats, challahs, and Dr. Brown sodas, it quickly became a highlight of the night. We loved creating this unique blend of elegance and deli-inspired fun to make the night all the more special. 

The lively atmosphere during the cocktail hour encouraged lots of dancing and mingling, ensuring everyone had a memorable evening.

To carry the deli theme through to the dinner, we adorned the tables with checkered linens and elegant yellow floral centerpieces, expertly designed by Twigs Floral Design. Each place setting had black and white cookies wrapped with the LAJH logo, creating a personal touch, and reinforcing the fact that we were all there for a common cause.

The fundraising portion kicked off with a paddle raise led by an energetic auctioneer, and the excitement from this portion of the program helped ensure the night was not only entertaining but also a successful fundraising effort.

The honorees were then presented with this iconic award that we helped design.

There were many heartfelt, emotional speeches made by friends and family honoring Izzy and Marilyn as generous, impactful members of the community.

At the end of the night, guests were delighted to receive a bagel and cream cheese to take home – both thanking them for their generosity, and solidifying that “deli vibe” we created.

And remember the deli bar? Guests loved that setup so much that many asked to take home the items we had on it. And they did! They took all of the pickles, jars of mustard, and various condiments we had for decoration! They also really wanted those hanging meats, but they were just movie props and would have tasted terrible. So not only did they get to take a piece of the evening home with them, but we didn’t have to figure out what to do with 30 jars of mustard and pickles – win, win! 

The Reflections Dinner was more than just a fundraising gala, it offered a unique, memorable experience for the honorees and the guests. Community support is essential, and this event showcased the impact that fundraising efforts can have in making a difference. Los Angeles Jewish Health plays an essential role in providing care and services to the aging members of the community, and fundraising events like the Reflections Dinner are vital for supporting their ongoing efforts. We are honored that they entrust us to plan this gala every year.

For an event like this, we offer a wide array of services that take a large portion of the planning burden off of the organization. We hold weekly meetings with the planning committee to go over a detailed task list. We make phone calls to past sponsors, collect guest names, meal choices, and sponsor advertisements. We work closely with graphic designers in creating the marketing materials, programs, and the slideshow recognizing the event sponsors. Dana, along with our expert staff, handles stage management during the event, and Marni directs the A/V booth to ensure a seamless program. Our staff members also serve as point people for catering as well as for registration and vendor check in. If you need some expert services to help plan your next fundraiser, contact us today!