October 23rd, 2009
The Event Of A Lifetime created a film premiere Bar Mitzvah celebration for a Bar Mitzvah boy who is a budding film maker. Using the garage, driveway and basement of their home, their house was transformed for this fun kids party!
This film premiere party took place at their home where the Dad brought in his collection of classic cars.
When the young guests arrived and got off the bus, they made their way up the driveway’s the red carpet
Along the way, paparrazzi snapped their pictures and yelled out to them, “Who are you wearing,?” and “Over here,” “Angie – where’s Brad?” When they reached the top of the driveway, the bouncers made sure their names were on the VIP list!
Their garage (before picture above) was transformed into the VIP lounge
The transformation into the VIP Lounge
Seating areas were created
The above film strip blow-up was used as the sign-in board
Custom pillows and napkins were used
Guests could take photos by the Dad’s car collection
A tent was placed over the basketball court
The basement (pictured above) was also used and transformed into a club for the after party
The basement included a white dance floor and DJ set-up for the after party!
Of course a film premiere party needs a fun Hollywood voiceover set-up
The incredible cake!
Guests could enjoy a candy bar
Candy bags featured his logo
We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this celebration with our readers. For more information, visit their Website.
October 18th, 2009
Designing a Mitzvah Project that “hits home” often makes the Project more meaningful for the Mitzvah child. We believe that the personal approach taken by Valerio of Houston, Texas, allowed him to embrace his Project and see real results that meant a lot to him. Valerio’s Bar Mitzvah took place in January 2008, and his Project benefited the Houston Food Bank.
Here’s what Valerio shared with Mitzvah Market:
MM: Describe your Mitzvah Project.
Valerio: I collected canned food before my Bar Mitzvah and used the cans as place cards during the party. I volunteered several times over the course of the year. I also donated 5% of my Bar Mitzvah money to the cause.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Project and charity?
Valerio: My parents own a white table restaurant and we feed customers and families each day. I wanted to give back to those that do not have the ability or opportunity to receive three meals each day.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project?
Valerio: A Mitzvah Project basically means doing what you can to give back to your community. Whether it is by raising money, hosting drives, or volunteering your time, all are beneficial to your surroundings.
We want to thank Valerio for sharing his story with us. His parents, who own and operate Arcodoro in Houston and Pomodoro in Dallas, must appreciate that their son chose to benefit those who might go hungry without donations like Valerio’s.
To learn more about the Houston Food Bank, please visit its Website.
October 15th, 2009
Justin Gellman of St. Louis worked with four of his friends (Michael Wielansky, Jake Bensky, Jake Brown and Brian Coulter) to create a Mitzvah Project to benefit an organization they truly believe in. And instead of creating flyers, cards or posters to promote their Project, they did something they knew their tech-savvy peers would respond to; they went digital.
Mitzvah Market Mail caught up with Justin to get the full story. Here’s what Justin shared with us, in his own words:
MM: Can you give us details about the organization you chose to incorporate into your Mitzvah Project?
Justin: Lift for Life is a charity that helps kids from disadvantaged homes. This charity takes kids away from violence and abuse that occurs in their homes. The kids are picked up at bus stops and taken to the Lift for Life gym where they can do their homework, play games, play basketball and lift weights. In fact, the weight lifting program is the best thing about the Lift for Life gym. Some kids that started lifting at Lift for Life have gone all around the world to compete for medals. This is why the charity is called LIFT for Life, because they lift to feel better about themselves.
MM: How did you spread the word to gain awareness and donations for Lift for Life?
Justin: I made a video with four of my friends inside the Lift for Life gym about the gym. We then made a Website, and put the video on the Website. This Website link was then sent out to all relatives and close friends.
Justin filming the video with his friends
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project and charity?
Justin: Once I visited the amazing facility I immediately knew that this was going to be the charity I was going to help.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
Justin: This project started a couple months before my Bar Mitzvah, which was earlier this month. However there is not an end to the Project. I hope to continuously go down to the gym once a month to prepare and serve a meal.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
Justin: It means giving back to my community not just by donating money, but by giving my time to make others feel good.
We want to thank Justin for sharing his story with us. To learn more about Lift for Life, please visit its Website.
October 15th, 2009
By Bill Kakis of Mormile Florists and Event Decorators
To lounge or not to lounge?! That is one of the questions most commonly asked by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah host. Perhaps this is a question you are considering as well. To help you decide, here are some excellent reasons why you may want to consider a lounge for your party:
Kids on the Move
Let’s face it, kids don’t sit much. Traditional seating for the kids usually means empty tables all night. Between the dance floor and the games, you will be lucky if the kids will sit down to eat.
Let ‘Em Socialize
Lounges are more social. Everyone is together and people are not restricted to interact with those sitting at the same table. The camp friends get to mingle with the school friends, etc. Kids get to mingle, eat, dance, hang out, play games/activities all within the lounge area. Instead of a sit-down dinner for the kids, they can have a buffet of different types of “finger foods” (chicken fingers, fries, sliders, salad shakers, etc.) that they can eat easily while they mingle.
Mitzvah-Nomics
Lounges don’t have to cost a fortune. Instead of big round tables you can use some cocktail tables or hi-boy tables with some colorful linen and a few barstools.
Upgrade
You can start with a simple lounge area and then expand if you wish. You can upgrade the lounge and the rest of the space with sofas, ottomans, couches, cabanas, light-up bars and funky lighting.
To answer the question, to lounge or not to lounge? I say you go for the lounge!
To learn more about lounges and décor, contact Bill at Mormile Florists and Event Decorators at 516-766-7000. Or check out Mormile’s extenisve profile in our Vendor Directory.
October 13th, 2009
Hello All,
The Kaden Family has visited Fire Island, NY, for many, many summers and thought a “destination Bat Mitzvah” would be perfect for their daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah party.
Sydney’s service was held at Congregation Beth Sholom Chabad of Mineola earlier in the day, followed by a Kiddush brunch. Guests then made their way to Bay Shore, Long Island, where a rented water ferry was waiting to take them to Sydney’s celebration at Flynn’s in Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island. This creative venue location left their guests talking for weeks. After reading more about their party, you will understand why!
We want to thank the Kadens for sharing their beautiful party photos with us and our Mitzvah Mail readers. We think their ideas will inspire you for your own child’s Mitzvah!
Sydney waiting for her guests to board the water ferry
Sydney outside of Flynn’s
The entire Kaden family looked great at Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah barbeque. Everyone matched the blue beachy theme! Sydney’s dress was Laundry by Sheli Segal from Sak’s, sister Samantha wore Calypso St. Barth of Madison Avenue, Mom’s dress was M Missoni from Warehouse of Great Neck and Dad is wearing Tommy Bahama shirt and pants. (All Vendor information is listed on the bottom of this newsletter).
L-R The Kaden Family: Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Howard, Susan and Samantha
All party photography was done by Visions Photography
Sydney was all smiles, all day…
A beautiful September day on Fire Island set the stage for Sydney’s casual celebration. It helps when your Mom is a party planner! Susan’s company Silver Lining pulled the entire event together. Shell and starfish decor made Flynn’s look beautiful!
Personalized red wagons with beautiful flowers by Dana Baron Floral Designs
Candles and sand adorn every table and set the mood!
The Kadens printed banners filled with pictures of Sydney on Fire Island over the years; they also had banners filled with guests’ photos so everyone felt part of the special day!
Flynn’s of Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island
Placecards with starfish embellishments sat on trays of sand
For the cake, the Kadens decided to use individual cupcakes that were displayed beautifully. Very clever!
This unique Cupcake Tower was created by Cupcakes Catering
A close-up shot of these delicious decor-matching creations!
The Kadens used Fantasy Music Entertainment with Steve K. as their MC.
Sydney “made her entrance” in a red wagon
Sydney’s friends received plaid PJ’s customized appropriately with red wagons and her initials as their favors. The adults got delicious Rachel’s crumb cake (a well-known Fire Island bakery) to go…
The girls’ PJs are above and the boys received a masculine version. Rachel’s to go were packaged in Chinese take-out containers
Guests could also choose from this colorful candy bar for their water ferry ride home!
The beautiful invitation was custom designed and letter pressed on Strathmore Paper by Intergraphics Litho Corp. The RSVP postcard was the third tier that ripped off in the spirit of going green and conserving on paper.
Instead of a sign-in board, Sydney had a sign-in book created by Stephanie Barren.
The Kadens’ guests were entertained by Adam Ace “The Magicman”
Mitzvah Mom Susan is a special event planner, her company is called Silver Lining. She has this advice for all Mitzvah planning Moms:
“Make lists upon lists upon lists and keep crossing off as you progress all of your tasks. I used Numbers, a computer program from MAC that kept me completely organized from beginning to end! Be prepared for the unexpected! I made a plan B for every scenario and it lessened any anxiety that I may have had. Remember that no matter what goes wrong on your child’s special day, you will most likely be the only person that knows!”
Thanks Susan, great advice!
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Flynn’s of Fire Island 631-665-2751
Transportation: Fire Island Ferries – Luke Kaufman 631-484-8652 and Crystal Coach Limo 516-221-1700
Party Planner: Susan Kaden – Silver Lining 516-527-9600
DJ/MC/Photo Booth: Fantasy Music Entertainment – 516-935-1111
Decor/Florist: Dana Baron Floral Designs 516-801-4352
Favors: Best Express – Susan Birnbaum 516-935-8269
Magician: Adam Ace “The Magicman” – 516-932-8376
Invitation/Photo Banner/Montage/Stickers: Intergraphics Litho Corp – 212-631-7503
Cake: Cupcakes Catering Lauren Rafanelli 516-637-7045
Photographer: Visions Photography – Christine 516-343-9591
Videography: Image Craft Video LLC – 631-789-1011
Rachel’s Bakery of Fire Island: 631-583-9552
Sign-In Book: Stephanie Barren 516-377-6147
Fashion: Warehouse of Great Neck, Calypso St Barth 212-772-0445, Saks, Tommy Bahama
Hair: Judy 516-557-3044
Makeup: Sophia 516-579-7224
October 13th, 2009
Cheap Socks!
Mitzvah Mail reader Niki passed along a great Mitzvah Find. When it comes time to purchase socks for the kids to wear on the dance floor, check out Eros Hosiery Company.
These socks are priced right and easy to order. We like it and think you will too. Thanks for the Find, Niki!
October 13th, 2009
Are you searching for the perfect music for your candlelighting or montage? Help is just a click away…
MM reader Amy sent us this great find: DanceJock Productions has a music suggestion page on their Website. Click on the diffferent categories such as grandparents, friends, neighbors, parents etc. and you will find song suggestions and you can even listen to a sample! Check out DanceJock’s unique Vendor Directory profile page.
October 13th, 2009
Food on Four Wheels
Last week, NBC’s TODAY Show reported on a new trend – upscale food available via food trucks. The TODAY show report centered on a Dessert Truck that makes vanilla creme brulee and molten dark chocolate cake available in a supped up food truck. The prices are reasonable and the owner is a graduate of the French Culinary School. We don’t know about you, but our mouths are watering. Let’s hail the Dessert Truck!
October 13th, 2009
Party Art: Putting the Pieces Together
Party Art by Naptime Studios offers a fabulous activity that turns into a keepsake that we wanted to share with you. Here’s the scoop, right from their Website:
“No matter the age or occasion, Party Art will create a party atmosphere unlike any other. Party Art® is more than an activity; it’s a one of a kind piece of art created by family and friends.
“Each guest is given a puzzle piece and with paintbrush in hand, they create a one of a kind piece of art for your special occasion. Whether you are the next Picasso or you can’t even draw a stick figure, everyone will roll up their sleeves and have a great time.
“Once all of the pieces are painted, the puzzle is assembled and framed. Your guests will be amazed by the masterpiece they’ve created!”
Check out this clever idea at the Naptime Studio/Party Art Website.
October 13th, 2009
We’d like to introduce you to a very helpful Website for anyone planning any type of special occasion, Party411.com.
Created by author, humorist, Internet entrepreneur, professional special event planner, columnist, talk show host and Party Girl Sherri Foxman (not sure where she finds the time!?), Party411 does feature a Bar/Bat Mitzvah section filled with party themes, planning ideas and complete party decoration packages. We especially LOVE their lifesize cutouts. Check out their Website.
