October 12th, 2009
Mitzvah Project Pointers
by Jessica Mindich from Jewelry For A Cause
A dear friend of mine found herself in a “psycho mom moment” because two weeks before the big event, her daughter still had not picked a Mitzvah Project. This normally sane mom found herself screaming at the top of her lungs, “NO MITZVAH PROJECT, NO BAT MITZVAH” as she stormed out of the room. Somehow, the meaning of a Mitzvah Project has been lost on so many already overscheduled and stressed out 13-years-olds.
It is important to remember that kids are more interested in projects that have special meaning to them. They often have limited time and attention, so if the project they have chosen doesn’t really interest them they will have forgotten about it before they ever get started.
Here are some tips for helping your child choose a more meaningful Mitzvah Project:
1. Make sure that the chosen project reflects the interests of the child. This is not YOUR Mitzvah Project.
2. Make sure your child sets realistic goals for the project. Help your child to consider the time commitment and the logistics involved in making it happen.
3. A child will connect more with the project when they can see and/or hear about what their hard work has done. Consider planning a family trip to visit the project beneficiary or become family pen pals with a member of the group your child is helping.
4. Think hip and cool. Being 13 is such a tough age! Have a video game marathon for charity, make hip jewelry, t-shirts, CDs, etc. and sell them to raise money for an organization that interests your child. Ask your school to get involved and use the local media to raise the profile of the efforts.
5. Write a rap and get it on iTunes to be downloaded for charity.
Anything and everything goes. Just remember there is no “right” way to do a Mitzvah Project just as there is no “right” way to do a Mitzvah. It is about your child, and there is no one else like him or her!
October 12th, 2009
For Most Kids: It’s All About the Favor
by Howard Zwang of Gotham T-shirts
There are so many details that go into planning a Mitzvah. What is the most important detail, in your child’s opinion? If you ask your child, he or she will most likely tell you that the DJ and the “wearable” for their friends are most important to them. With that in mind, I hope to help you find the right vendor to make your printed apparel. Here are some tips:
* One of the best ways to select a screen printer is to look at what your child brings home. If there is something in particular that you like, find out who made it. Usually, the screen printer will identify itself by placing a label on the apparel. Or you can call another parent and ask for the vendor’s information.
* Ask the screen printer to give you a general price on how much the items will cost. A hooded sweatshirt should run about $13 to $15 for a multi-color print job. A zipper sweatshirt should run about $20 and a T-shirt should run about $7.
* You should always ask to see samples. To save time, have them email you photos of their work.
* Try to use a vendor that has an in-house art department to create original artwork rather than clip art. An original design is sometimes included in the price but can be up to an additional $200. Make sure you clarify if original artwork is included in a quote.
* Once you know your confirmed guest list, you will now begin the tedious job of figuring out guests’ sizes. Use your child as a model. Always order extras.
* It is important to make sure you have definite pick-up dates for the items. Many vendors do offer home or hall delivery. Moms, do you really feel like schlepping big heavy boxes from your car? It’s much more convenient to have them delivered to your house.
* Many vendors do offer labeling and bagging. The price should be $1 to $2 each. If you are savvy with your computer you can do it yourself. Ask the printer for the logo so you can print them out for your bags.
Thanks, Howard! We appreciate the great tips! To learn more about Gotham T-shirts, check out their unique Vendor Directory profile.
October 12th, 2009
By Sherri Foxman of Party411.com
Here are some simple ideas to help you try and stay within your budget:
1. Sit with your planner or find a sample budget online, and make a spreadsheet of your projected expenses based on your number of guests. Without a detailed budget, you could soon be out of control.
2. Cut your guest list. If budget is an issue, remember that each person represents from $50-$200 and more in today’s world. Make your list and then start cutting if you have exceeded your limit.
3. Watch out for hidden costs. Make sure when working with your vendors that all prices are inclusive or as I say, “out the door.” The line “plus labor, rentals, sales tax, etc.” can quickly add to your budget.
4. Stay on top of your RSVPs. People tend to forget that every time they add a table of 6-10 guests, they add a table linen, napkins, a centerpiece, dessert candy, more food, more rentals, more labor and so on and so forth. When the final bill arrives, you have “sticker shock” and lingering disbelief regarding how the initial quote was exceeded.
And things you can do to save costs:
5. Host a luncheon event instead of a dinner event. A luncheon is usually much less expensive (the room, the entertainment, etc.), there are more available facilities, and your bar bill will be considerably less!
6. Use open seating (let friends sit where they may, and reserve a table or two for family center stage!) or have what we call a move-around party. Seating cards can be costly – especially if you have 100 or more guests. Plus, with a move-around party with different stations, you need fewer tables. Nowhere is it written everyone needs a seat. In fact, the kids rarely sit down at all.
7. Create centerpieces that double as favors. For example, for a Chanukah Bat Mitzvah last year, we filled different sized boxes with candy, wrapped them with Chanukah paper, made a tower out of the 8 boxes, put a beautiful bow on top and tied off fabulous balloons. A table tent told guests to dismantle the centerpiece and to each take a box of chocolate. We not only saved the client money on favors, but we also cut their budget because they didn’t need dessert chocolates on each table. We’ve also done this with coffee mugs and other gift items.
8. Use what the facility has available. Get a list from your venue of what they have on hand: linens and colors, staging, lighting, sound equipment and more. Using what is available could cut your budget dramatically. Remember to consider all of these things when making your final location choice.
9. Close the bar during dinner. Some hosts choose to close the bar during dinner and pass wine instead. The bar can reopen after the candle lighting/memory video and or speeches if you choose.
10. Feed the kids something different than the adults. The kids are active, rarely sit as previously mentioned and certainly are more satisfied with less fanfare than the adults. A word to the wise, however: old standbys like chicken fingers and plain pizza just don’t fly anymore, so tell your caterer to get creative!
Thank you for such wonderful advice, Sherri! For more information on how Party411.com can help with your Mitvah planning, check out their unique Vendor Directory profile page.
October 12th, 2009
By Gregg Raffa of Gregg Raffa Events & Entertainment
We all want our guests to have a fabulous time at our events, and providing engaging entertainment is often one way to help ensure a good time is had by all. Gregg Raffa of Gregg Raffa Events & Entertainment offers a few points of interest that we can all consider for the success of our special events. Here are Gregg’s Top 5 suggestions:
1. Always plan way ahead. You may think that six months or a year of lead time is enough. However, top quality entertainers often book well in advance. Booking early will ensure that you get the very best.
Interested in a Jonas Bros. lookalike? ASK!
2. Always hire a professional agent that has a good reputation. If you are looking to engage a local performer, you should deal with a local agent. It is very easy to check to make sure they have performed honorably in your area.
3. With today’s technology, there should be no excuse NOT to check out an agent’s Website. By visiting a company’s or individual’s Website, you should be able to check out any entertainers that may be of interest to you. But remember, it is virtually impossible for agents to include every entertainer they may represent. If you don’t see what you want – ask.
4. Have a conversation. Never book just by email. You should explain verbally the type of event you will be holding, what you expect from the act, the demographic of your invited guests, the times involved, the venue, etc. The more information you can provide about your party, the better the agent can help.
5. Many of life’s milestones that you will take with you as you journey through life are the very reason to be cautious now. There have been many disasters at parties that can be avoided by being an educated buyer. Doing this will ensure your remembrance of a party well planned.
To learn more about Gregg Raffa Events & Entertainment, visit their Vendor Directory Profile.
October 12th, 2009
There are cakes, and then there are cakes. You know, the ones that are really works of art; the ones that take your breath away because they are so stunning, and the thought of cutting them let alone eating them just seems wrong.
We put together this collection of those cakes – the stunners. The ones with flour power. Let them inspire you! When choosing a cake for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah, think outside the (cake) box and really consider what unique cake might fit in with your party’s theme, and more importantly, what might be a fit with your child’s personality.
A Louis Vuitton knock-off we’d love to taste!
The above cake and the one on the left were both designed by Fancy Cakes by Leslie in Bethesda, Md.
Wow! This cake was created by
Pink Cake Box of Denville, NJ.
Debbie of Debbie Does Cakes in San Fransisco made this (Juicy) couture cake.
Can’t live without your BlackBerry (cake)? Also made by Debbie.
One more from Debbie. We can almost hear the fizz from the can.
Tasted a good book lately? This cake is from Michelle Bommarito of Ferndale, Mich.
For more amazing cake photos, check out our blog!
October 6th, 2009
Melissa of Mechanicsville, VA, will be Bat Mitzvahed later this fall. As part of her rite of passage, she organized a Mitzvah Project that you might say is completely “hands on.” Her thoughtful project really shows how a simple gesture, like helping others with yard work, can make a big difference, especially in the lives of those suffering from ALS, or Lou Gerhig’s Disease. Melissa also recognizes that the project allowed people within her temple and her community to work together.
Mitzvah Market caught up with Melissa to learn more about her Project. Here are the details, in her own words:
Why did you decide to take on this particular project and this particular charity?
A few years ago, I did something similar for Mitzvah Day at my temple, where everyone at my temple participates in different Mitzvahs. I really enjoyed helping people with ALS so I decided that doing the yard work for ALS families was what I wanted to do for my Mitzvah Project.
In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
It means a lot because the group of volunteers I got together (they were kids from my Sunday school class and their families, along with kids from my sister’s Sunday school class and their families) and I helped people who have a horrible disease that affects their ability to move.
Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
I got in touch with the person from my temple that coordinated doing yard work for ALS families last time, and he gave me the name of a person at the ALS Association. I then got in touch with her by going on the Internet and looking up the Website the person from my temple gave me and calling the phone number on the Website. After talking with her, I set up a date to do the yard work for ALS families. I then gathered a group of volunteers from my temple. The person from the ALS Association gave me names of three ALS families that live in the Richmond area. I separated my group of volunteers into three groups. Then on July 26th, we all went to our separate houses and did yard work. Afterwards, to build some community, we all had lunch together.
We want to thank Melissa and her parents for letting us share her story with you! We hope that as the leaves start to fall, we might all be inspired to get out there and help those in need!
October 6th, 2009
As you know, we love receiving email from readers! We love to gather Mom-to-Mom advice, ideas and tidbits, and we also love when Mitzvah Kids write in to share their Mitzvah Projects with us.
Recently, Meg Alberts sent us an email after finding out about MitzvahMarket.com from her Cantor, Yonah Kliger of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. We think Meg’s Mitzvah Project is a wonderful one. It really hit home as it is the season for Back to School Night! Here’s what Meg wrote in:
“For my Mitzvah Project, I am collecting school supplies for schools that have suffered from budget cuts, and I am donating them through a Website called iloveschools.com. They post lists of supplies needed and schools that really need those supplies. I am not only looking for general school supplies but also the specific needs of the teachers. I do not feel it is right that these teachers have to take money from their own pockets and use it for everybody else’s needs. They do enough for their community.”
We couldn’t agree more, Meg! Meg created and distributed a flyer, identifying the supplies she is looking for. Her list includes pens, pencils, crayons, erasers and scissors. Her Bat Mitzvah will be later this year, and she will collect supplies through the end of the year.
The nonprofit organization iLoveSchools.com is a wonderful resource which was established in 2003. Its mission is “to raise awareness of classroom resource inequities facing America’s schools and teachers, to provide the resources and to promote the love of learning to all American students, without regard to social, economic or demographic circumstances.”
With the help of individuals like Meg who are both collecting supplies and helping to spread the word, the iloveschools.com mission is being accomplished.
October 6th, 2009
Jamie Goldberg of Lexington, MA, loves horses. So when it was time to think about her Mitzvah Project as part of her Bat Mitzvah, which was last fall, Jamie designed a Project that involved her passion for horses. She raised money for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA).
The MSSPA takes in horses that have been abused and nurses them back to health. Jamie’s project was to raise money for the MSSPA to help save “even more horses.” Jamie raised money as well as awareness for the organization by generating a lot of press. Here’s what Jamie shared with us about her Project:
MSSPA is the largest horse rescue center in New England. On October 11th, 2008, an event called the “Ride to Rescue” took place. On that day, everyone around the country can ride something whether it be a bus, a bike, and of course horses. I rode my horse Flower and received pledges for my ride.
I raised money by emailing and telling my friends. With my Bat Mitzvah invitation, I sent out a form that gave information on my project. In addition, I told people at school and family what I was doing. I also made a poster about MSSPA that I put up at the barn where I ride. My mom told some people she worked with and from there, the news of my project kept spreading. Several local newspapers and TV news including the Boston Globe and the Portland TV station interviewed me and did stories.
In the end, we raised over $3,330, which is more money than any one person has ever raised for MSSPA.
Jamie and her Ride to Rescue poster
Jamie wants everyone to know that “although my Bat Mitzvah is over and the Ride to Rescue won’t be happening again until October, MSSPA accepts donations all year.”
Thank you, Jamie! You are really making a difference!
October 2nd, 2009
Hello All,
The Passman Family came up with an adorable “camp” theme for their daughter Rebecca’s Bat Mitzvah which took place in Westchester, New York. The service was held at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners and the party was held at Mount Kisco Country Club.
We want to thank the Passmans for sharing their creative party with our Mitzvah Mail readers. We think their ideas will inspire you to create unique touches for your own child’s Mitzvah!
The Passman family: (L-R, Bat Mitzvah girl Rebecca, Julie, Justin, Jessica and David). All party photography was done by June Greenspan Photography.
The entire Passman family looked great at Rebecca’s Bat Mitzvah celebration. Bat Mitzvah girl Rebecca found her beautiful blue dress with copper accents at All Dressed Up, as did her older sister Jessica. Mom’s dress was from Elephant’s Trunk and the “men” were outfitted by Nordstrom’s and Hugo Boss. (A reminder that all vendor info is provided at the bottom of this newsletter.)
Rebecca’s “Becca” Camp theme for her June celebration was created by Daniel’s Floral & Events, Inc.
The attention to detail was outstanding!
Carefully placed branches over illuminated lights create a campfire feel and a wooden sign indicates where guests should go for seating.
Placecards appear on grass with roasted marshmallows attached!
Even the adult centerpieces had that elegant “outdoor campy” feel!
Framed pictures of real bunks served as table numbers.
The cake followed the “Becca’s Camp” theme and featured “marshmallow candles” on top.
This cake was created by Lexington Square Cafe
These feminine invitations with a pink polka dot bow were designed by Joan Segal Stationery in Armonk, NY.
The Passmans used Untouchable Events with Joe as their MC.
MC Joe with Rebecca’s brother Justin
Rebecca making an entrance!
Rebecca’s friends got the chance to create spray painted Soffi shorts and hats and/or photos on dog tags. The activities below were organized by Untouchable Events.
Designs the kids got to choose from!
Airbrush artist at work.
The photo dog tags had Rebecca’s initials and logo on one side.
Rebecca’s friends presented her with special gifts to honor her milestone celebration.
Sarah (on left), Becca’s close friend since birth, presented her with a framed collage and poem. Allie and Kasey (on right) are featured reading aloud from a personalized Dr. Seuss book cleverly created for Becca. They also presented Becca with a keepsake chest with photos of the girls. That chest now houses all of Becca’s Bat Mitzvah memorabilia.
Rebecca’s sign-in board was made by family friend Gabi Cohen. Gabi used old photos, Becca’s invitation, crafty stickers and magazine cutouts representing Becca’s favorite activities and apt sayings, decorative ribbons and more to create a unique and personalized sign-in board which is now prominently displayed in her bedroom.
This was Mitzvah Mom Julie’s second Bat Mitzvah with one more to go! She has this advice for our readers: “We were very pleased with all of the vendors and would certainly recommend them to other Mitzvah families. David and I selected vendors who reflected our taste and who were pleasant to work with. While we wouldn’t change anything about Becca or her Bat Mitzvah, for our third and final Mitzvah in 2012, we will seriously consider more green options, including email invites. My most important words of advice: at the service, block out all the distractions of planning the event, and just be present! Enjoy every minute of your child’s incredible accomplishment — leading a service in front of all our family and friends.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Rebecca’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Mount Kisco Country Club – 914-914-2116
Elephant’s Trunk – 914-666-7666
All Dressed Up – 914-690-1593
Nordstrom – 914-946-1122
Hugo Boss – 914-681-1955
Salon 228 – 914-238-3172
Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio – 914-238-2920
Daniel’s Floral & Events, Inc. – 914-374-8232
Untouchable Events – 212-924-6299
June Greenspan Photography – 914-273-6619
Lexington Square Cafe – 914-244-3663
September 27th, 2009
Hello All!
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
The Adler Family wanted a warm and elegant celebration for their son Max’s Bar Mitzvah which was held over Thanksgiving Day weekend 2007 at the East Meadow Jewish Center. By the look of their photos, we think they achieved their goals! Thank you for sharing your Mitzvah memories with our Mitzvah Mail readers.
The Adlers all looked great. Leslie’s dress was by designer Issey Miyake from Eleanor Schain in Brooklyn, NY, and Sydney’s pretty blue dress was made at Designing Dreams in Mineola, NY. Max had his vest, which coordinated with the theme made by them too. Leslie’s hair was done by John at The Salon at 230 West in Syosset. (All contact info at bottom)
Sydney, Eric, Leslie and Bar Mitzvah boy Max Adler
Max’s theme was “The Max Adler Experience.” Using bright jewel colors, tie-dye and psychedelic patterns, the look was achieved by Barbara Becker at Dazzling Parties.
The room all set up and ready for guests…
All party photography was done by Jack Katz
The Max Adler Experience placecards greeted guests and were small converse sneakers with your table number – very cool and clever!
The Adlers wanted their guests to know that another Mitzvah celebration would be happening in a few years (2010) for their daughter Syndey. They used Big Huge Labs, who we wrote about in a previous Mitzvah Mail newsletter, to make these personalized custom “Coming Soon” movie posters.
Sydney with her Big Huge Labs movie posters that they made online were displayed with bagels and Maxin’ Donuts as guests left the party
Their invitations were done by Darlene Barzilay, who can be reached by email at: notesetc1@verizon.net or by phone at 516-681-4602.
The one-piece invitation ensemble had a masculine plaid pattern
The Adlers used Total Entertainment with Rick Mantovi as their MC. As an added treat, the Adlers purchased gift certificates to favorite local sneaker stores and gave them away to the kids during dance and game contests.
Total Entertainment really got the crowd dancing
Max making his entrance! Designing Dreams made headbands for the dancers to match Max’s vest!
The favors for Max’s friends were created by And That. The white sweatshirts had a logo on the front and “Are You Experienced?” on the back. Leslie found the tie-dyed bags online and ironed on her own labels.
Front and back of the white sweatshirt party favors
The sweatshirts were packed in these matching colorful bags from online vendor startrackinc.com!
Some of Max’s special moments:
Max and his friends
Max with his sign-in book and matching stand, all made by Dazzling Parties
Mitzvah Mom Leslie has this advice having been through planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah, “If you are making yourself crazy during the planning process so that you are miserable, then you have forgotten what the event is really all about.” Thanks Leslie; a great thing to keep in mind!
Mitzvah Dad Eric is a cancer survivor and with that in mind, the Adlers surprised their guests as they got in their cars to go home after their joyous party. They asked the valets to hang a beautifully written note from the family in each car from the rearview mirror. The note explained how much their support meant to the family during Eric’s battle and that a donation was made to Lance Armstrong’s foundation, LiveStrong and a LiveStrong magnet was placed on their car’s bumper.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Max’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Eleanor Schain – 718-444-4253
Designing Dreams – 516-248-1988
Dazzling Parties – 516-766-1471
Big Huge Labs
Total Entertainment – 201-894-0055
And That – 516-364-9222
LiveStrong Foundation
Startrackinc.com
East Meadow Jewish Center
The Salon at 230 West/John – 516-921-2017
Jack Katz Photography – 917-885-1824
Invitations by Darlene Barzilay – 516-681-4602
