July 30th, 2014
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduation and Birthday Parties.
Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while they supervise the children. Their services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Something New! The Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Website now features a question of the month!
This summer, the question is: How do you keep the young guests quiet during the candle lighting ceremony?
Check out some of the Bar Mitzvah bouncers’ answers here.
Their feedback allows clients and prospective customers to get a feel on how they handle situations and their procedures in terms of dealing with the kids. Every month a new question is posted and different staff members respond each time.
They have received a lot of positive feedback from parents and party planners concerning the bouncers’ responses.
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 30th, 2014
The McDonnell family from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a destination Bat Mitzvah service and trip for daughter Madison Wynter on March 27, 2013.
The celebration started on the Norwegian Epic as family and close friends cruised to the historic St. Thomas Synagogue for a their Bat Mitzvah service. After the service there was a Caribbean style celebration and more fun back on the cruise ship.
Then on June 15, 2013, there was a party at RHO Waterfront in Trenton, New Jersey, for Madison’s local friends and family.
While all this might seem overwhelming, it was a breeze for Mom Beth who is a travel agent and plans destination Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, Bat Mitzvah girl Madison, Sister Jade and Dad Greg.
Elisa Orin was the photographer in St. Thomas and Jenn Ericson was the photographer in New Jersey. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The Carlson Craft pocket invitation featured a pink font.
Madison’s service was held at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. Built in 1833, it is the second oldest synagogue and longest in continuous use now under the American flag.
Madison receiving the Torah
A historic landmark
With its sand-covered floor, the 210-year-old synagogue is a beautiful place for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service
The McDonnell women wore vibrant island chic dresses and looked great.
An open air taxi brought guests to the reception at a waterfront restaurant on St. Thomas.
On their way to the waterfront restaurant
The Grande Cru restaurant located in the Yacht Haven Grand section of the Island was the perfect spot to celebrate after the Bat Mitzvah service
In the evening, back on the ship, there was a private cocktail reception honoring Madison which turned out to be one of their favorite memories
Dinner took place at the Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse on the Norwegian Epic
All guests in matching t-shirts on the ship
The t-shirt favors read, “I Rocked the Beat at Madison’s Bat Mitzvah.”
All wrapped up and ready to be given out to guests
Back home, Madison’s family and friends celebrated with a great party at RHO Waterfront located on the Delaware River.
The pink and black color scheme looked great.
Place cards with a bit of bling
The black table cloths and clear vases with LED lights and hot pink feathers really popped
Madison’s name spelled out and the pink up lighting gave the space a real club feel
The sign-in board was a poster of Madison at different ages.
Madison enthusiastically making her way into the reception through confetti.
MC Adam of A Sharp Productions brought high energy and the dancers were awesome.
A great array of dessert options were available at the end of the night!
The desserts were awesome and plentiful
Show Me the Favors created these great shirts.
Madison helped stomp out hunger by participating in the 3rd annual I Run for Food. She helped raise money and gathered walkers and runners to help local food pantries in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Madison will continue to help in the 2014 I Run For Food which is a 5k/1 mile race that is open to all ages.
Madison’s team
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“We were overwhelmed with joy and pride from the events of the day. To top it all off most of the guests said a toast to Madison as she stood surrounded by all her family and friends that joined us. The heartwarming stories and love for Madison was so overwhelming. Enjoy every moment! Do not sweat the small stuff.”
The following vendors made Madison’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
In St. Thomas
Temple: St. Thomas Historic Synagogue, 340-774-4312
Luncheon Venue: Grande Cru, St. Thomas, 340-774-4262
Photographer: Elisa Orin Photography, 716-763-5955
Cantor to prepare Madison: Jill Packman, 215-295-7235
Transportation on Island: Tropic Tours
Madison’s service dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Travel Arrangements: Mom Beth, Trip Guy Travel, Beth@tripguy.com, 888-990-TRIP (8747)
Favor person: Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101 for both parties
Hair and Makeup: Sugar and Spice 340-776-LUXE
New Jersey celebration:
Venue: RHO Waterfront, 609-695-9332
Photographer: Jenn Ericson Photography 267-980-4714
Videographer: Rich, The Times of Your Life Video Productions
Invitation: Carlson and Craft
Décor and sign-in board: Apple Graphics, 215-322-WRAP
Table Cards and Table Numbers: White Gate Papery, 215-280-2848
Music Entertainment: MC Adam Weitz and JP, A Sharp Productions
Party entertainment: Peekaboo Photo Booth, 800-968-4001
Madison and sister Jade’s party dresses: Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Mom Beth’s dress: Yes to The Dress, 215-947-0113
Dad Greg’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Elexia-lexylank@live.com
July 30th, 2014
Mitzvah Moms come up with the best ideas! We discovered this unique organization and we can’t wait to pass it along to our readers.
The Make it Count Project provides creative and useful craft projects, to be completed at your event, for charitable donation. You choose the project you want and the charity organization that will benefit.
Amy Wynn Brown from Studio City, California, was thinking of something to do for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah other than hiring entertainers or give party favors which get thrown away or forgotten. Brown spoke to her Rabbi about her concerns and he reminded her that the importance of this type of occasion for a 13 year-old boy or girl isn’t the party or gifts, but “to give back to the community as an individual, not just as a family.” Brown used her extensive background as an event planner, volunteer art teacher and clothing manufacturer to make her idea a reality.
Mitzvah kids participating in a Make It Count project
Here are two examples of projects available from The Make It Count Project:
The Hobby Box project is an activity box that guests decorate with patterned tapes and stickers and then fill with games, puzzles and craft activities. They created The Hobby Box project when a woman in the office was helping raise money for a boy she knew who was fighting cancer. While undergoing chemo therapy, the young boy was bored and it was clear he needed something positive to do to keep his mind and creativity active.
The Hobby Box
They also have Baby Blankets large enough to cover infant incubators at a hospital’s ICU. Hospitals need the blankets to help block some of the light for the sensitive eyes of the infants. They also add a personal touch to the baby’s first “crib” and parents love to look in and see the color surrounding their baby.
Colorful Baby Blankets
The original concept was created with “Mitzvahs” in mind, they have since expanded to include other special occasions. They now sell “Make It Count” kits, so you can participate from anywhere in the country.
For more information, visit their Website. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
July 30th, 2014
NO GUILT: HAVE THE SIZE CELEBRATION YOU WANT TO HAVE!
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman, “Favor It Things“)
South Florida Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group members on Facebook run the gamut from planning a family dinner celebration at home, to an over-the-top weekend long star studded extravaganza B’Mitzvah celebration.
These clinicians, your Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah, see the internal struggle manifest itself in arguments and conflict within families and between friends.
Some claim that “spirituality and meaning” can somehow be erased by a large celebration. Chabad.org posted, “As for the cause of the celebration, this is the day when a Jewish person is given the obligation and resulting privilege of observing God’s commandments. One would be hard pressed to think of a more joyous occasion to celebrate together with friends and family.” According to some sources, the first documented Bar Mitzvah is referred to in the Torah: “And the child (Isaac) grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a GREAT feast on the day Isaac was weaned.” (Genesis 21:8) Some believe this was the day Isaac turned 13 and was “weaned” from childhood into adulthood and received the responsibilities of a Jewish adult. If we are all being honest and real, a low key affair does not ensure spiritual meaning any more than an over-the-top one, negates it.
As we discussed in our last blog, “meaning” comes from values, examples and experience. It begins with each of us, as parents, modelling EVERY DAY, what is meaningful and important. It begins with “walking the walk and talking the talk.” Every detail about the B’Mitzvah service is about meaning, tradition, ritual and prayer. Every detail about the celebration takes all of these things and acknowledges the achievement of your child, recognizes the incredible importance of becoming a Jewish adult, and most importantly in your own personal way and style, shares this unbelievable milestone with all of the important people in your life.
We each had many milestones, celebrations and stepping stones. If you as a parent, had your own B’Mitzvah, do you remember how you felt that day on the bimah? We do…it was like being on top of the world. How many other days in our Jewish lives focus solely on our growth, achievements and the obligations, expectations and hopes that God and our families have for us? There are so few times that we get to celebrate pure, unadulterated moments of joy in life, so make the most of it and do not allow anyone to make you feel shame or guilt over the way you choose to celebrate with family, the love, change and spiritual growth of your special child.
SO, we began to build on the vision we had for the day when our son, Blake becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Remember, one of us would like to write a “tell all” here while the other is more tight lipped, so we compromised by telling you about visions in a more generic way. (Insert eye roll here!)
We know we want BIG décor with a combination of flowers and theme and we want our guests to have an “wow!” moment from the moment they arrive and with each step forward up to the moment they get into their car. We will include activities for both adults and younger guests at the entrance to start our party with a BANG not a lull. A first impression is a lasting one. Consider your party to be a space shuttle launch and build the excitement and then keep them soaring throughout.
We acknowledge we are incorporating some of the well…in our opinion less exciting components like a candle lighting ceremony, but we feel this is necessary, as we feel that the day is not complete without honoring the “village” who are helping us create this young man we celebrate on this day. It also creates a magical moment with loved ones that incorporates “light” a tradition innate to Jewish Culture. With each honor we bring more light, symbolic of the path and future that lies ahead- never forgetting who helped you get there.
There are many places you can save money, DO NOT choose any vendor based solely on price. Meet with vendors, tell them what you want and what you can spend and allow them to tell you what they can do to help. Always see their work in some way, attend expos, see videos and get referrals from real people.
Of course “Favor It Things” is our chocolate and sweet treats headquarters, so you can imagine that we are busy creating little sweet surprises from the moment they enter the room until they load into their minivans.
As the Dean of a school and a Psychologist, we will tell you, Fail to Plan, Plan to fail, young kids and teens will find a way to entertain themselves if you don’t entertain them. The right DJ company and vendors will make sure to keep them engaged.
Next time, we will talk about how we are personalizing our event.
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
Catch up on what you might have missed:
Blog post #1 here
Blog post #2 here
Blog post #3 here
July 27th, 2014
We read about this great Mitzvah Project in the The Queens Ledger and we wanted to share.
Marshall Nisselbaum of Forest Hills, New York, handed $2,000 to people he’s never even met before all in the name of helping animals! Animals are a part of his extended family, and this 13-year-old is determined to prove just that by raising funds to rescue and provide better lifestyles for homeless animals.
Marshall celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May 17, 2014, and at that time launched “Marshall’s Mitzvah Project. He also asked his parents to spend less money on his Bar Mitzvah party, so he could donate some additional funds to local rescue groups.
Nisselbaum partnered with Trylon Vet Care, a local veterinary practice where Dr. Stephen Wyler and his colleagues have provided care since 1992, to heal and assist pets. They also coordinate with nonprofit foster homes, which rescue animals from shelters and provide them with care until a permanent home is found.
Trylon accepted tax-deductible monetary donations, food, toys, clean towels, and new or gently used pet carriers.
“I wanted to raise enough money and gather food, toys, and supplies so that animals can be adopted in forever families,” said Nisselbaum.
Marshall’s Mitzvah Project was his first fundraiser, although he has supported charities such as the World Wildlife Fund and aided black-footed ferrets, gray wolves, and other African mammals.
“I have personally contributed about $150 over the past 8 years,” said Nisselbaum.
Nisselbaum is also an advocate for animal rights. “You should think about what you’re doing,” is his advice to animal abusers. “It’s hurtful to living creatures, and that’s not fair, since all living creatures deserve the same rights as humans.”
Since it first opened, Trylon Vet Care has provided care for the Nisselbuam family pets, including cats Jojo, Jem, and Scout, as well as a male ball python named Ty.
Marshall handing over a check for $2,000 from the money he raised
Trylon Vet Care has a “doggie bank” on its front desk and collects funds that are used quarterly to buy food and supplies or donated to individual groups. This past quarter is dedicated to Marshall’s Mitzvah Project. Trylon Vet Care has corporate sponsors, and Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pet Foods are participating in the effort.
“Marshall is a true inspiration,” said Trylon Vet Care practice manager and Forest Hills resident Karla Wallach. “There are so many stories about how today’s youth is stuck in a technology coma, apathetic to the troubles of the world. However, it’s young people like Marshall that will lead other young generations to take on the world’s social concerns, and use the power of today’s technology for positive change in our world.”
We thank The Queens Ledger and the Nisselbaum Family for sharing Marshall’s amazing Mitzvah Project with our readers.
July 27th, 2014
Lindsy Steinberg of Lindsy Steinberg Events in Houston, Texas, specializes in event planning and design. She recently created a unique Bat Mitzvah theme that we had to share.
The Bat Mitzvah girl has a love for superheroes of all kinds, so Lindsy put her super powers to work and created a Comic Book style party with fabulous details.
Working with some great vendors, including Invitation Solutions, who created custom placemats, napkins, t-shirts and menus for the party and RE Event Solutions who created the custom furniture.
Natural Expressions was the photographer.
Kippot customized with the Super hero logo and “L” for Lisa
Custom programs look beautiful with a blue accent ribbon
The vibrant graphics, as seen on these placemats, were used throughout the party
And on the menu
High-top cocktail tables with spandex and comic font logo decal really pops!
Super photo props
The logo front and center on the bar
An awesome entrance with all of Lisa’s logos and exclamations displayed
Make-your-own frozen yogurt sundae station that would not have been the same without the custom cups they created
Digital caricature artist added to the fun
We thank Lindsy Steinberg of Lindsy Steinberg Events for sharing this Super-fantastic Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Party Planner: Lindsy Steinberg, Lindsy Steinberg Events; Photographer: Natural Expressions Photography; Custom cocktail napkins, programs and Kippot, Invitation Solutions; Lounge furniture, RE Event Solutions; Music/DJ, Maxed Out Entertainment
July 23rd, 2014
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July 22nd, 2014
Lighter Than Air Events is a party decorating company that has been servicing clients throughout Long Island and the Metropolitan area, as well as nationwide, for over 25 years.
They specialize in Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, Anniversaries, and any other special event. No job is too small or too big!
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, Superimpose Posters, Club Style/Lounge, Marquis Signs and much more!
Their New Styrofoam Letters Are All The Rage!
Now available, Lighter Than Air Events has big, bold letters made from styrofoam that can be easily customized to match the theme or color scheme of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.
Perfect for table centerpieces, even sign-in boards!
Sizes are generally 12″ x 24”, larger sizes also available
New Customized Pillows!
Add a splash of color to your lounge decor for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration with these new customized pillows.
Clients have their choice of printed or embroidered pillows. They can work with any logo, design or color scheme
To learn more about Lighter Than Air Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 22nd, 2014
Your child will be invited to many Bar Bat Mitzvahs during their 7th and 8th grade school years. There are dressy clothes to purchase, carpools to arrange and many gifts to buy!
It’s common, and (let’s face it) easy, to send a check as the Bar Bat Mitzvah gift. After all, there’s a Bar Bat Mitzvah money card section in many stationery stores across the country.
Bar Bat Mitzvah gift amounts vary depending on where you live in the country, your relationship to the child and how many in your family are attending the celebration. What if you prefer to give the young man or young lady something special, more personal?
It’s very hard to know what a 13 year old would want as a Bar Bat Mitzvah gift. There are laptops, iPads, iPods and many other electronic devices. For the girls, jewelry is an easy choice and most boys would love tickets to a sporting event.
We found six other options that might strike a cord with your special Mitzvah boy or girl:
1. Baseball cuff links.
Cuff links from Paul Fredrick
These baseball cuff links from Paul Fredrick are very special because they are made from actual used game baseballs. There’s a number engraved on the back which you enter into their Website to find out information about the game they were played in!
2. Invitation box from Lexington Studios.
This gift box from Lexington Studios is personalized with the child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation on the outside and a special message from the gift giver on the inside. Each box also contains an album with ten 8.5 x 11” sheet protectors and acid free paper to allow for creative scrapbooking and to hold your favorite photos. The album can also serve as a guest sign-in book!
3. A customized rap song from Giftrapped.com.
Watch sample song here
Giftrapped.com will gather information from you about the guest of honor and then create a completely personalized rap song and slide show using 20-30 photos. This video can be shown at the child’s celebration as an entrance video or as part of the montage.
4. The Daily Portrait.
The Daily Portrait from Milson Road is a great commemorative Bar Bat Mitzvah gift that is set up like a newspaper. It shows the lead headline, which is news of the Bar Bat Mitzvah child being called to the Torah and other information about the service and celebration. Additionally, they capture the news of the day from national and international sources. It is produced in an 18 x 20 inch print with a custom wood frame
5. The Pieced Palette.
These keepsake pillows are custom made to complement any invitation, announcement or photo. Using the Bar Bat Mitzvah child’s invitation, they find a complementary fabric and ribbon and create a pillow
6. Sean Kenney: Your portrait in lego!
These clever gift ideas will have the special guest of honor in your life remembering you for years to come.
For more gift ideas, visit our Mom To Mom Forum and make some suggestions for our readers!
July 22nd, 2014
The Potash family celebrated their daughter Isabelle’s (Izzy) Bat Mitzvah on November 9, 2013, at the Temple B’nai Chaim, in Georgetown, Connecticut.
The reception was held at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The theme was “Izzy’s Igloo” and Mom Lisa’s company, PiPo Press, created the Izzy’s Igloo logo, invitation, and many of the “cool” event details.
Pictured L-R: Dad Ken, Mom Lisa, Bat Mitzvah girl Isabelle and Brother Jack.
Bentley Waters Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is at the bottom of the spotlight.
There was a morning service at Temple B’nai Chaim where the family has been members for many years.
Izzy holding the Torah with her proud Mom and Dad
After a truly meaningful service, the Kiddush luncheon was held at Weston Field Club in Weston, Connecticut. Izzy spent many of her childhood summers at the club, so it felt right to have a part of her special day at this venue
Simple and beautiful Kiddush centerpieces
Mom Lisa is co-owner of PiPo Press, a custom invitation design boutique, and created an invitation and RSVP card which set the tone and theme for the reception. The color palette of blue and hot pink was also used throughout the party.
The RSVP response card text was very clever. “Cool!, can’t wait!” or “Brrr! so sorry to have to miss it, have fun!”
The thank you card included a picture taken from the party of Izzy dancing with her dad and website information was printed on it so that the guests were able to view the photos from the evening and the highlight video as well.
The Potash family was beautifully color coordinated. Izzy looked awesome in a royal blue chiffon gown from La Femme and Mom Lisa wore a gorgeous pink gown custom made by Jennifer Butler. Dad Ken and brother Jack looked sharp in their own suits and coordinating hot pink ties from Saks Fifth Avenue.
The evening party was held at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut. Another place Isabelle spent many hours in as a child. The party was held in a wonderful party space to one side of the museum. To keep it intimate, they decided not to open up the party to the entire museum.
Balloon Artistry created a balloon arch that resembled an igloo for guests to walk through as they entered the venue
The theme was Izzy’s Igloo. Rooms were lit in light blue with sparkles of silver and crystal.
The blue up lighting, clear stools and white table cloths all worked perfectly with the winter decor theme. This was a long hallway with all glass walls where the adult food and bar was set up
The large media room featured the kids’ lounge area. There was a dance floor, LED high top cocktail tables, white leather couches, a large floor to ceiling screen and video snowflakes falling throughout the evening
The gobo looked great on the dance floor adorned with animated snowflakes
MC Gio and the dancers of Jeffrey Craig Events did a fantastic job keeping everyone dancing and having fun all night.
Izzy makes her entrance
Izzy singing along with friends
Balloon Artistry created the sign-in using a mirror with Izzy’s logo in the center. Multi-colored sharpies with ribbons were attached so guests could “sign-in.”
It looked great before and after
One of Izzy’s friends writing her a message
Kids and adults had the opportunity to have custom dog tags created with their names or pictures courtesy of PBG Events. There was also an animated photo booth from The Bosco, where guests could immediately share pictures on Facebook. There was also a glitter tattoo artist from Glitter Toos with custom tattoos of Izzy’s party logo and the Weston, Connecticut town logo.
Photo engraved dog tags were a big hit!
Here is one of the fun photos from The Bosco photo booth. The photos taken throughout the evening was streamed live on two screens all night. The gift box on the right was from Balloon Aritstry.
A guest ready for his temporary tattoo
The girls showing off their arm tattoos
The highlight of the evening was a lion dance performed by Wan Chin Ming Hung Gar Institute. Being half-Chinese, the Potash family wanted to include something from Isabelle’s Chinese heritage.
A group of ten dancers and musicians performed a traditional lion dance with drums to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the celebration
A great moment between Izzy and her dad. They danced to “Thank You” by Natalie Merchant.
Wanting an informal, “kids party” atmosphere, AMG Catering provided a cocktail style party for the entire evening with passed hors d’oeuvres and stations all night. The kids had a similar set up with Isabelle’s favorite foods. There was a taco bar and a mashed potato station for dinner, served buffet style.
The adults were offered ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.Go8MrosY.dpuf
For the adults, winter inspired ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow
Italian ices and snow cones truck, parked at entrance for arriving guests – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.8AjjL4Nv.dpuf
Guests enjoyed Italian ices and snow cones from a truck parked at entrance
Italian ices and snow cones truck, parked at entrance for arriving guests – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.8AjjL4Nv.dpuf
The kids’ bar was set up with a rainbow soda bar of glass soda bottles in every color
The adults were offered ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.Go8MrosY.dpuf
Some of the delicious hors d’oeuvres
Milk and cookies, one of the many dessert options
Snowball cake pops on mirror trays
The Cake Boutique created this igloo themed cake which was used for the candle lighting ceremony.
At the end of the evening, Izzy’s friends received clear drawstring goody bags with sweatshirts and bags of blue and silver candy with logo name tags.
Sweatshirts with Izzy’s logo all wrapped up
Izzy and her friend posing in their new sweatshirts
As guests departed, they left with ice blue slushes in logo plastic cups.
Isabelle’s Mitvah project was for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. They are a national non-profit organization raising funds for pediatric cancer research. She sold cookies to family and friends and raised over $2,000 for the pediatric unit at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The caterer, AMG Catering donated kitchen time and Isabelle and her friend, Audrey, spent an afternoon there baking hundreds of cookies that were handed out after her Bat Mitzvah service. She wrapped each package in cellophane and tied them with hot pink and cobalt blue string, her party colors. She paid for the ingredients with her allowance and 100% of the proceeds were donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
Cookies beautifully wrapped by Izzy and her friend Audrey
Some advice from Mom Lisa:
“Everyone says this, but keeping yourself organized is the only way to go. I purchased a cute little notebook about a year before the event. Scribbles from every meeting with every vendor is in that notebook. Any thoughts I had or suggestions from other friends were recorded in the same spot. Pinterest.com was also a great source of inspiration. Something else I learned through this process is that so many of the little details that I slaved on were only noticed by me, so if you are on a budget, let those little things go. Focus on what is important to your child and let that guide the party planning. Finally, hire great people with good referrals and you will be in good shape!”
The following vendors helped to make Izzy’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Tabitha Carter, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 203-899-0606,
Caterer/Party Planners: Alison Milwe Grace/Olivia Savarese, AMG Catering, 203-227-5535
Photographer: Bentley Waters, Bentley Waters Photography, 914-953-4155
Videographer: Jack Craymer, Jack Craymer, 203-434-7882
Invitation/thank you cards/logo: Mom Lisa Chin Potash, PiPoPress, 203-221-1181
Music Entertainment: Scott Sica, MC, Gio, Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 800-690-9370
Balloon arch/sign in board/gift box, Shaina, Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party Furniture rental/dog tags: Nancy, PBG Events, 646-430-4107
Animated Photo Booth: Lisa Fertig, The Bosco, 917-407-3802
Lion Dance Dancers: Warren Wan, Wan Chin Ming Hung Gar Institute, 917-922-6877
Sweatshirt Favors/Slushee cups: Chrissy Nasi, Professional Marketing Services, 203-984-1915
Caterer Rentals: Taylor-Rentals, 203-762-9611
Tattoos: Liana, Glitter Toos
Candy bags: Swirl, 203-544-7057
PJ’s Italian ices/snowcone truck: PJ, 203-331-7017
Cake: Sonia, The Cake Boutique, 203-761-7990
Bat Mitzvah girl Izzy’s gown: La Femme, Neiman Marcus
Mom Lisa’s gown: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Dad Ken and brother Jack: Their own suits, coordinating hot pink ties, Saks
Transportation: Hoyt Livery, 203-966-5466
Hair & makeup, Blow Dry Southport, 203-557-4789
