JCC’s Big Night celebration
#FriendsUnite: The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s Big Night celebration is always a let-your-hair-down, no-fuss kind of party that welcomes everyone. This year felt even more festive with a university-themed party. Guests were greeted Saturday by University of Pittsburgh cheerleaders and (naturally) a few kegs of beer, then walked through the “library,” checking out auction items, before heading to play beer pong and watch Rhythm Extreme, a percussion group act from “America’s Got Talent.”
Some said they felt a sense of exuberance and joy that hadn’t been felt since the shooting inside the Tree of Life Synagogue on Oct. 27. “We started receiving boxes and boxes of letters and gifts from all around the world. There was enough to fill rooms!” said Melissa Hiller, director of the JCC’s American Jewish Museum. “It’s so emotional to think about. And then, to have this gathering of people here tonight, we wanted everyone to celebrate with us. We wanted to celebrate each other and this moment and recognize that we are all in this together.”
To keep that feeling alive, a bulletin board displayed cards, notes and kind words from around the world. “The JCC has been a part of our family for as long as we can remember. We grew up here and we met here ourselves. This is a place for people to unite,” said event co-chair Marla Werner, with husband and co-chair Michael. “This community has held us up through difficult times and we are here to celebrate the good times,” he said. “We have to be here to support one another.” With the largest crowd ever in attendance, roughly 1,100 people, and more than $550,000 raised, it’s clear that JCC Pittsburgh is stronger than hate and stronger than ever.
#SEEN: JCC of Greater Pittsburgh president and CEO Brian Schreiber, Lori Ruttenberg with husband and board chair Jim, event co-chairs Lori and Bob Shure, auction co-chairs Dr. Elie Aoun and Justin Matase, Cathy Samuels, Gisele Fetterman, Sherree Goldstein, Sarah Grimm, Carla Likar, Jamie Scott, Mara Leff, Alex and Harris Heit, Tracy and Evan Segal.