The Levite Jewish Community Center is thrilled to announce the creation of a new gala event that will celebrate the organization’s important role in Birmingham. Called The J’la, the August 18 ticketed event aims to attract people from all walks of Birmingham who can gather to recognize and appreciate everything The J stands for.
The J is currently well known for two very popular and successful events: the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run and the Jewish Food and Culture Fest. But they’re both geared toward specific audiences: athletes for the run and lovers of Jewish food and culture for the food fest.
The J’la is striving to reach a much broader audience.
Uniting communities
“We’re one of six Jewish organizations in Birmingham, and the J’s role in that group is to bridge the Jewish and non-Jewish communities,” explains LJCC Associate Executive Director Brooke Bowles. “We do that every day by serving as a welcoming, family-oriented gathering place for a diverse membership to engage in meaningful experiences of the mind, body and soul.
“But up to now we’ve never had an event that clearly emphasizes that aspect of our mission. So our new gala is aiming for a much wider audience from across the city — an aim that nicely matches our identity.”
While J members and their families will be encouraged to attend the gala, The J has also undertaken a special effort to reach out to leading area businesses that are eager to express an affinity for the organization.
“The J’la is going to be a grand celebration that showcases how much The J means to Birmingham,” Brooke says.
Tickets for the event will cost $125, and numerous levels of sponsorship are available. In addition to a plated kosher three-course meal, the evening will include live and silent auctions and an after-party silent disco.
Proceeds from The J’la will support programming at The J, including youth camps; theater, adult, and Jewish programming; and community outreach.