Federation CJA’s superstar night

When Federation CJA, the driving force of Montreal’s vibrant Jewish community, does anything, the MO is big, next-level, make-it-unforgettable territory. Which was exactly the spirit in which the organization approached its recent special benefit eve at Palais des congrès, celebrating the close of its 2016 General Campaign and official launch of 100 years of impact in Montreal.

On the campaign side, there was much to fête, seeing that the tally was a staggeringly impressive $41,204,913 — monies integral to the operation of local and Israel-based endeavours. (Amazing footie: the total was raised in just three months, thanks to overwhelming generosity, devotion and tenacity on the part of approximately 15,000 donors, 700 volunteer canvassers and event partners and sponsors alike, including the eve’s lead partners, PearTree, Richter and TD.)

On the centennial front, there was also much to get excited about and be inspired by — namely, all the incredible ways in which the organization has contributed to and enriched the local Jewish community and larger Montreal landscape during the past 100 years, as well as many great projects and events planned to honour the special milestone year ahead, including a collaboration with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on the upcoming Chagall exhibit, a five-day young adult expo, 100 hands-on volunteer opportunities throughout Montreal, and a virtual community museum.

Now back to the party:

Awright, awright, noties — I’m feeling your vibe. Without further ado, here’s the fête 411.

Fine food and drink were in abundance at the gorgeous VIP kickoff cocktail impeccably catered by Beso (at which cool Montreal mayor Denis Coderre said a few words and the eve’s to-be-revealed-shortly featured superstar mingled with the crowd and took snaps and selfies with them). Other major highlights were a state-of-the-art multimedia presentation detailing Federation CJA’s remarkable history in the city (replete with powerful voiceover from honorary centennial chair Charles Bronfman); YidLife Crisis’s hilarious rundown of the “100-ish Jew-ish” Montreal landmarks; and the eve’s main event and featured performer: legendary funnyman and longtime king of late-night chat, the inimitable, invincible Jay Leno.

“This was a perfect way to celebrate 100 years of Jewish community,” said the playful comic — “with an Italian comedian!”

As for VIP attendance, the cup runneth over. Dignitaries included the above-mentioned mayor of Montreal; consul general of Israel for Quebec and the Atlantic provinces Ziv Nevo Kulman; deputy consul general for Israel in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces Liliane Haïm; the honourable Irwin Cotler; CôteSt-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein; Hampstead Mayor Bill Steinberg; Montreal city councillor and member of the executive committee Lionel Perez; Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather; and D’Arcy-McGee MNA David Birnbaum.

Also attending with pride and commitment were Federation CJA campaign leaders (all of whom received an award onstage for outstanding community service), including centennial chairs Gail Adelson-Marcovitz and Jack Hasen (both on scene with close family members and friends); General Campaign chair Joel Segal with wife Eileen; Women’s Philanthropy Campaign chair Gilda Shahin-Abdulezer with husband Morris Abdulezer; Sépharade Campaign chair Ariel Sabbah with wife Laurence; West Island Campaign chair Doug Liberman with wife Stacy; Network Campaign chair Marc Kimmel with wife Jill; YAD Campaign chair Joshua Hasen with wife Michelle Cola Hasen; and YAD FedNext Campaign chair Jeremy Levy.

Not done yet: Still more organization officials dotted the perfect partyscape, including Federation CJA president Evan Feldman, attending with wife Osnat; Federation CJA first vicepresident David Amiel with wife Robyn; Women’s Philanthropy president Heather Paperman; YAD Montreal chair Steve Sebag; Federation CJA West Island chair Andy Frankel; CEO of the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA Linda Kislowicz; and Federation CJA CEO Deborah Corber with husband Maurice Tovel.

Happy 100th, Federation CJA! Keep up the fabulous.

PHOTOS: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY JAY ON STAGE: Centennial chairs Gail Adelson-Marcovitz and Jack Hasen moderate questions with legendary comedian Jay Leno at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and centennial launch.

CHAIRS EN MASSE: Federation CJA campaign chairs Joshua Hasen, Jeremy Levy, Doug Liberman, Joel Segal, Gilda Shahin-Abdulezer, Ariel Sabbah and Marc Kimmel share in the magic of the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

STYLISH SUPPORTERS: Harvey Wolfe, wife Roz, Richard Schreiber, Shirley Goldfarb, Bernice Brownstein, Cheryl Brownstein Stein, Michael Brownstein, Therese Brownstein, Sara Rubin and Sylvia Quint lend stylish support to the Federation CJA 2016 campaign...

COMEDIANS’ CORNER: Hilarious Eli Batalion, left, and Jamie Elman of YidLife Crisis pose for a bucket-list pic with featured entertainer Jay Leno at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

SMILING BIG: Women’s Philanthropy Campaign chair Gilda ShahinAbdulezer, Heather Adelson and Eric Hoffman go big for the glamcam at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

PODIUM PERFECTION: Centennial chairs Gail Adelson-Marcovitz and Jack Hasen address the crowd at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and centennial launch.

COCKTAILING COUPLES: West Island Campaign chair Doug Liberman and wife Stacy catch up with pals Laren Aslatei and husband Mitchy Adler at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

CHEERS TO THE FABULOUS: RBC rock star Tony Loffreda and wife Angie enjoy festivities alongside supporters Gloria and Howard Richman at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

MAYORAL MOMENT: Incoming campaign chair Jimmy Alexander and wife Lisa hang with Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

SNAPPED AT THE SOIRÉE: General Campaign chair Joel Segal, incoming chair Jimmy Alexander and patron Alvin Segal (Joel’s dad) get into the spirit at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

GORGEOUS GALS GO THE DISTANCE: Selena Paperman, daughter Ali and pal Elaine Dubrovsky proudly support the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.

BROMANCING: The honourable Irwin Cotler, Federation CJA president Evan Feldman and supporter Steve Gross share a drink and a laugh during cocktails at the Federation CJA 2016 campaign closer and official centennial launch.