April 21st, 2012
Bedford Middle School student Lindsey Felner (pictured left) celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in March, 2012 and came up with a great idea for her Mitzvah Project. She raised enough money to buy a computer for the residential housing at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester.
As you will learn, this residential housing facility is very special to her.
Please continue reading to learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this Mitzvah Project?
LF: I don’t get to see my Uncle David as often as I’d like because he lives in residential housing at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. I thought it would be nice to raise money to buy a computer for his entire residence, so my brother, sister and I can always be in touch with him.
Lindsey, Brother Ryan and Sister Samantha pose with their Uncle David (2 years ago)
MM: How did you go about raising money?
LF: Around the same time I was thinking of an idea for my Bat Mitzvah Project, my Uncle was learning how to use a computer and he started sending us a bunch of great emails. By reaching out to family and friends, I raised $1,000 as part of my Bat Mitzvah Project. My brother and sister helped me with this project and I donated all the money to the nonprofit group, which used it to buy a Dell computer for the residence.
MM: How did you go about telling the residence about your gift for them?
LF: My gift will also benefit the other 10 adults who live in the residence. I’m excited that they will now be able to email and video chat with their loved ones, whenever they want. I announced my donation during a holiday party at the center. Myself and five friends from the Westport Dance Center performed for the residents.
It was really exciting to be able to tell them. When I gave a speech that I raised the money, everyone started cheering. They were so happy and it made me feel really happy too.
MM: Will you continue to raise more money?
LF: After seeing the residents’ excitement, I have decided to raise more money to buy a computer for one of the center’s other residences and I hope one day to be able to buy a computer for all of the residences.
Lindsey, her brother and sister, Uncle David, and the girlfriends that danced in the show that night with her
We thank Lindsey for sharing her terrific Mitzvah Project with our readers. If anyone is interested in helping Lindsey raise more money for Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, contact her Mom, Michele Felner at felner@optonline.net.
April 18th, 2012
Lighter Than Air is a party decorating company that has been servicing clients throughout Long Island and the Metropolitan areas, as well as nationwide, for over 25 years.
Their services include: Sign in Books, Sign in Boards, Balloons, Photo Blowups, Themed Centerpieces, Break Thru Walls, Card Table Displays, Coming Attraction Signs, Life Size Stand-ups, Place Cards, Invitations, Puzzle Boards, Step & Repeat Backdrops, Superimposed Posters, Club Style/Lounge, Marquis Signs and much more!
They told Mitzvah Market that custom pillows are very popular right now and they can produce these in 1 week or less if necessary.
Take a look at some samples below:
There is a 4 pillow minimum and each 18″ x 18″ pillow is $35.00. Send them your logo file in jpeg, tiff, pdf or eps. One side of pillow is a full color print of your logo and the other side is a solid color material.
For more information, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 18th, 2012
Kathy Goldstein at Always At Your Service is a full-service event planning company specializing in personalized attention to details at affordable prices for all social events, corporate events and fundraisers.
Kathy listens to what you want and then incorporates her unique style into her work to create an unforgettable event while keeping within your budget. She enjoys setting the tone of the event with color, texture and lighting to create the overall atmosphere.
She recently planned a Bat Mitzvah celebration for a young lady who loves the Broadway show Wicked at the Brooklake Country Club.
The place cards were designed and handmade by the Bat mitzvah girl and her Mom
The room at the Brooklake Country Club is ready for guests
Each adult table had a different style branch floral arrangement
The kids lounge area was a raised lite platform surrounded with silver sequin curtains. Eggplant couches and ottomans were designed with custom logo pillows. Lime square and round sequin pillows adorned the couches and ottomans. Green apples in vases kept with the wicked theme
A custom red velvet cake designed with the play Wicked in mind
The to go station featured a custom logo “Wicked” green mug with hot chocolate packs
Chinese containers with lime green dots filled with munchkins and personalized hang tags that said, “Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” A saying from the play Wicked
A blow-up of one of the characters from Wicked
We thank Kathy Goldstein for sharing this creative Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
April 17th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today. Last time I wrote about shoes and my style.
This time I would like to tell you about another one of my favorite things, dresses. Every girl has her own special taste when it comes to picking out their dress. Some like it short, some like it long. It’s all depends on what YOU want.
To get a feel for what the girls are going for today, I went with Sheri Lapidus, MitzvahMarket.com’s founder to a fashion photo shoot for It’s Simply for You at Hi-Tech Photography in Melville, New York.
It’s Simply for You, located in Syosset, New York sells fashion dresses in every shape, size and color. Anything you want, they have it.
While the models were getting their hair and makeup done, I talked to Rachel, the owner of the store and she told me about what style and trends are new for Spring.
Rachel said, “The Sherri Hill Rockstar collection is very popular right now. It consists of big stones and rocks on the dresses,” she adds, “Pastels, petals, and beads are also a big trend. And the white dresses are very in.”
For this photo shoot, which was shot mostly outside, customers were asked to model the dresses and they looked like they had lots of fun! Two Stephen Street Salon did the models hair and makeup.
Here are some of the looks:
L-R: Montana is in a chunky, long beaded blush dress by Sherri Hill, Lina is also wearing a Sherri Hill from the Rockstar collection and Sammy is in a pink sparkle dress with petals on the bottom
Sydney is wearing a purple cheetah dress with chunky jewels by Tony Bowls. Animal print is a big trend this Spring
Hannah is wearing a short Sherri Hill feather dress that has also been seen on Kendall Jenner
Lina is in a Sherri Hill multi-colored crystal dress that is long in the back and short in the front. Kendall Jenner has also been seen in this dress
Gabby is wearing a purple spiral dress from the Sherri Hill Rockstar collection
Taylor is on the “rock carpet” and is wearing a long, silver chunky Tony Bowls sparkle dress
Ally is modeling a Cladine by Elyse Design new for 2012. The sides of the dress are mesh panels and the shape is mermaid
There is a great selection of long and short gowns for us Bat Mitzvah girls in every color of the rainbow and all are available at It’s Simply For You. They also provided the great accessories. I loved watching this shoot and hope to do it again sometime soon. I want to thank both Hi-Tech Photography and Rachel from It’s Simply For You for letting me tag along!
Till next time…On The Circuit with Tara!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
April 14th, 2012
Are you looking for personalized favors for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration?
Made With Love and Kisses are the original creators of the fuzzy marshmallow plush, super comfy lounge pants.
You probably have seen these in a store near you, but they can work directly with you to design a unique custom applique based on your theme.
Select from any of their fun colorful items – lounge pant, boxer short, pillow or blanket and make it your own!
Lounge pants with Angry Birds
Boxer shorts customized with initials and date
Fuzzy pillow customized with your child’s name
Comfy blankets in many themes or customized for you!
Contact Jan at 516-694-332 or email her at madewithloveandkisses@gmail.com.
For more information, visit their Website.
April 12th, 2012
The Brenner family celebrated their daughter Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York. Following the service, there was a Kiddush luncheon and then an evening celebration which was outRACHous fun for family and friends at The Tam O’Shanter Club in Brookville, New York.
Mitzvah Mom Bonnie writes for Mitzvah Market and is happy to share Rachel’s special day with our readers.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Bonnie, Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel, Brother Jayson and Dad Steven.
All party photography was done by Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Rachel’s service was held at Temple Chaverim with a Kiddush luncheon catered by Hasson Caterers
Turquoise and gold trimmed kippot were ordered and delivered in 10 days from bestkippah.com
Rachel chose her favorite color combination of turquoise and gold for her Luscious Verde invitation which was customized by Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice. The layered invitation featured a plumeria flower
Rachel included her dog Cody, who is wearing a yarmulke on the custom stamp!
Rachel’s long gown was from Outrageous Boutique and it was the first dress she tried on! Rachel’s long turquoise gown featured crystals and was accented by her Aunt Jodi’s tiara that she wore at her wedding
Mom Bonnie found her champagne gown at Mieka Boutique
The Tam O’Shanter Club was the setting and Mom Bonnie raved about GM Maureen, Carl, Matt and Chef Renaldo who went above and beyond in accommodating the Brenner’s requests. Delicious food displays included a raw bar for guests during the cocktail hour
Since Rachel’s celebration was on March 17, the Brenners included a touch of the Irish!
The art theme was clear when guests arrived and saw this awesome letter “R” made of crayons
Beautiful flower arrangements were placed on the four corners of the bar along with some bling
Verbena Designs used Rachel’s artwork as the vase for the adult tables filled with beautiful flowers
The table numbers were created from drawing pencils
The Finishing Touch provided the jewel gold overlays and turquoise lamour linens and napkins
The back wall of the ballroom was filled with different shots of Rachel on a shimmering fabric
The lit up stage and gobo was brought in by Party Harty
The kids had a great time in the lounge especially sitting at the acrylic high top tables which formed the letter “X”
The “S” shaped couch was a big hit!
Simon Elliot Events created the LED place card seating tower that was lit up with the adult guests names
Rachel’s friends and cousins were all listed on a poster for the lounge
The splatter art logo created by Amy Wohl at FabuDesigns.com was incorporated into other aspects of the decor like the personalized napkins, menu cards, favor tags and even thank you notes!
Mom Bonnie ordered custom napkins from The Stationary Studio
One of many posters created for the reception
A great dance floor decal with Rachel’s logo
Custom pillows were placed in the kids lounge area and now are in Rachel’s room
The thank you note features Rachel during the Horah
Rachel made her grand entrance on top of a golf cart which was GM Maureen’s idea!
MC Howie, Evan and the dancers of Party Harty provided great music, high energy and lots of fun all night for the kids and adults
Rachel with the Party Harty dancers
Who is having more fun, Evan or the girls?
Magician John Born wowed everyone with his magic
Pop a shot is always fun!
There was an caricaturist on hand who used Rachel’s logo and her favorite things in this picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl
Rachel feeling the love from her family and friends
Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel and Dad Steve share a dance
Mom Bonnie with son Jayson
Simon Elliot Events provided their digital iSign for Rachel’s guests to leave her special messages. These messages will all be compiled into a keepsake book featuring a picture of each guest next to what they wrote
Baked to Perfection baked the art themed cake and Verbena Designs made custom votive candles spelling out R-A-C-H-E-L for her candle lighting ceremony
A Promos USA/The Imagemaker created the sweatshirt favors and bags for Rachel’s friends. She wanted a turquoise zip-up hoody for the girls and black for the boys with her logo in different colors on the back of each
The favor tags read, “Hope you had an outRACHous time”
The Brenners used Timeline Video Productions to produce Rachel’s montage. Mom Bonnie said “although they are based in Florida and I am in New York, the entire process was easy and a great experience.” Watch Rachel’s montage here
Two time Mitzvah Mom Bonnie has some advice for our readers:
“As a former corporate event planner I knew how I wanted things to look, but so did Rachel! Making sure we had an “art” theme and “giving back” aspects were front and center. So compromise was key and so was finding the right vendors to make it happen. I had some great associations through Mitzvah Market, although some of the vendors I used I found at the very last minute. Choose your vendors wisely and build great relationships with them. I was lucky to have a great collaboration between all my vendors. Rachel was so happy with how everything turned out and our guests (adults and kids alike) continue to rave every time they see me!”
Mitzvah Project:
Rachel is passionate about dogs and decided to sell bracelets at school. With the money she raised, she bought dog supplies for Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington, New York, a no-kill shelter.
Bracelets that Rachel sold at school
This poster explained Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah project to her guests and was on display at the Kiddush luncheon
The following vendors helped to make Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah celebration fabulous! If you give any of them a call, please make sure you let them know you read about them on Mitzvah Market.
Venue/Caterer: Maureen Hollenbach, The Tam O’Shanter Club 516-626-1980
Décor/Florist: Jennifer McKeon, Verbena Designs, 516-935-3757
Music Entertainment: MC Howie, Percussion, Evan, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Kid’s Lounge: Party Harty
Photo Favors: Stephanie Antell, That’s Entertainment Concepts, a division of Party Harty
Favors/Custom Pillows: Mindy, A Promos USA/The Imagemaker, 516-377-0186
Photography/Videography: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
LED Seating Tower/iSign/Floor decal/Posters: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Graphic Artist (Menu cards, favor tags, logo, signage, thank you): Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Custom Linens: Joy, The Finishing Touch 516-827-7433
Calligraphy: Karen Garber, 516-681-2939, inkspotzs@aol.com
Pop A Shot/Pretzel’s: That’s Entertainment Concepts a division of Party Harty
Chair and Table rental: A to Z Party Rental, 516-293-4192
Magician: John Born, john@johnborn.com
Caricaturist: The Creativity Studio
Cake: Baked to Perfection, 516-944-5642
Yalmulkes: BestKippah.com
Rachel’s Dress: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Mom’s Dress: Mieka Boutique, 516-367-8755
Suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Maritza, Two Stephen Street, 516-822-2355
Makeup: Lauren, Dakotah Salon
Custom cocktail and guest napkins: The Stationary Studio
Stamp: Zazzle.com
Mitzvah Project bracelets: Brace Yourself Now, 516-459-6495
Sunday Brunch: Bagel Boss Roslyn, Debbie 516-626-5599
April 12th, 2012
Are you a teen, or a parent of a teen, about to throw the celebration of your life?
If you are planning an upcoming Sweet 16, Bar/Bat Mitzvah party or other special occasion, Go Go Luckey Entertainment would like to hear from you. They are currently casting for, It’s My Party.
Go Go Luckey, the producers of hit shows including “Laguna Beach,” are seeking parents and kids with HUGE PERSONALITIES that are planning the PARTY OF THE YEAR to celebrate their child’s milestone event.
They are looking for families who are going to pull out all the stops to make their event grandiose and over-the-top. Are you renting a castle, fabulous hotel, hiring sensational entertainers, dropping the college fund on a dress, sparing no expense to have the party to end all parties? Your child’s celebration will be one time and you intend to do it like nobody has ever done it before!
If the above describes your family or anyone you know, producers from Go Go Luckey would like to meet you asap!
Please send an email to: castmyparty@gmail.com and send the following:
1. Parent’s name
2. Teen/child’s name and age
3. Parent’s contact phone number
4. Email address
5. Type of party you’re planning
6. Date of party
7. Details…tell them about the awesome location, the entertainment you’ll be hiring, the outfit you’ll wear, the catering etc. Just how outrageous will this party be?
Who knows, we all might be watching a Mitzvah Market reader starring in It’s My Party soon!
April 11th, 2012
The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company serving the Greater Metro NYC area.
They strive to customize each party to suit their clients’ vision and budget and can help with as much or as little as you like.
This celebration was inspired by a Hershey’s kiss, the colors were chocolate brown & metallic silver with turquoise.
Peter Oberc was the photographer.
The invitation, done in chocolate brown, turquoise and silver set the tone for the party
The escort cards were made of chocolate. They had the Peace, Love & Chocolate logo, along with each guest’s name and table number
The floral centerpieces in the cocktail hour had accents of blue with the bases filled with Chocolate kisses
For dinner, the adult tables were covered in luxe chocolate brown linens with turquoise napkins. In the center of each table was a different shaped apothecary jar filled with a different type of chocolate, surrounded by flowers and candles
The kids hung out in an incredible lounge that was brown velvet, turquoise and silver mylar with custom logo pillows
The sign-in board was a mirror in the shape of a chocolate kiss personalized with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name and Mitzvah date
The cake had the Peace, Love and Chocolate logo and was topped with a chocolate kiss
As one of the activities, guests enjoyed a chocolate bar. They choose from dozens of candies, nuts and cookies which got added to melted chocolate. After it hardened, it was boxed up for them to enjoy or take home
The favors were a turquoise American Apparel off the shoulder top with the Peace, Love & Chocolate logo on the back
We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this “chocolate” Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
April 4th, 2012
Talk about doing something different! We found this great Bat Mitzvah celebration on the Hostess with the Mostess blog and had to share.
This party soared to new heights and was held at the Trapeze School of NY in New York City.
This unique “trapeze” themed party was put together by Lysa Scarselli, a jewelry designer who also loves styling events.
The guests were told to wear “athletic attire,” and in addition to the Trapeze there was juggling, trampoline, swordplay, silk ropes, stilts and more.
Guests knew the fun they would have as soon as the invitation arrived!
The balloons that decorated the huge space were aqua and orange
Guests were able to get in on the action!
Staff was on hand for instruction
Guest also enjoyed stilt walking
Paper flowers, pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl and yummy treats were on hand
A gumball topiary centerpiece
Customized chocolate bars of the Bat Mitzvah girl in action!
We love this 3-D trapeze cake from Carlos Bakery (aka the Cake Boss!)
The following vendors were used to make this party special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Event Coordinator/Stylist: Lysa Scarselli & Dawn Sherman
Venue: Trapeze School of NY
Cake: Carlo’s Bakery
Labels/Stickers: Orange1 (on etsy)
Favor Cones: Heather Original
Orange Paper Flowers on candy table: Floral Sense
Photography: Amelia of Trapeze School of NY
Invitations: Mango Ink
Green Screen Photo Booth: Flawless Parties
April 4th, 2012
Jake Shulman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on January 7, 2012 with a havdalah twilight service at Temple Sinai in Roslyn, New York followed by his celebration.
Jake’s nickname is “Big” which was the inspiration for many of the special touches during this party.
We thank the Shulmans for sharing their ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Brian Jackson was the photographer and all the rest of their vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above: (L-R) Brother Marc, Mom Melissa, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and Dad Bruce
Eric from Dauphine Press designed this modern patterned Bar Mitzvah invitation. It is engraved on thick cream stock with navy and light blue touches.
Robert Herzog from Pedestals created the beautiful decor for the Temple Sinai ballroom and Mary Venier Zwirn from V & Z Caterers was the party planner and coordinated with all their vendors.
More Than Music provided the music entertainment with Kevin as the MC.
Jake makes his entrance with two show girls from More Than Music, wearing a clock and fedora to “Hypnotize Me” by Biggie Smalls
Jake and his friends having fun with Kevin
Mom and Dad make their entrance. Mom changed into her second and shorter dress (both from Mieka)
Creative Games provided a variety of games for the young guests.
Guests at the arcade games
One of the casino tables
Mentalist Ken Salaz was a huge hit with both the kids and adults all night!
A violinist booked through More Than Music was a beautiful touch. Notice the picture of the athlete to the left (it’s Jake, thanks to photo shop!) crossing the finish line
Pedestals created a unique sign-in picture for Jake!
A picture of Jake and his dog was encased in glass for friends and family to leave special messages
V & Z Caterers did a great job providing delicious food for this celebration including the cake below with Jake’s initials!
Jake and his parents during his candle lighting ceremony
Adults received blankets from thecoolestgiveaways.com and Jake’s friends received sweatshirts with his logo from Promos LLC.
Blankets wrapped and ready to be distributed
Young guests received sweatshirts with the logo above
A food truck was waiting for guests as they left so they could grab a delicious snack on their way home.
The following vendors helped to make Jake’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Sinai, 516-484-4300
Caterer/Party Planner: Mary Venier Zwirn, V & Z Caterers, 516-484-4300
Music Entertainment: MC, Kevin, More Than Music, 516-626-9400
Violinist: More Than Music
Photographer: Brian Jackson, brianjphoto@hotmail.com, 516-558-7013
Videographer: Mark David, info@markdavid.org, 516-938-7306
Party Entertainment/Games: Erick Mauro, Creative Games, 516-626-1900
Mentalist: Ken Salaz, 917-952-8967
Sweatshirt Favors: Russel Steinberg, Promos LLC, 973-422-0004
Adult Favor: Sue Smith, thecoolestgiveaways.com, 516-466-5728
Invitation: Eric@dauphinepress.com, 707-776-0790
Calligrapher: Marsha LaSpina, 516-484-9045
Cake: V & Z Caterers
Decor/Florist: Robert Herzog, Pedestals
Sign-in board: Pedestals
Mom’s Dress: Mieka, 516-367-8755
Suits for boys: Kenny’s Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Mercedes, 516-484-2901
Makeup: Valerie McKale, for Anne Demarco, 516-484-0416
