What happens when 250 of the most generous leaders in our Jewish community come together with two of the most creative people in show business? When those leaders are members of our King David Society (KDS) and Hineni Society, and the special guests are composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and producer Marc Platt, the men behind the hit Broadway musical Wicked, it adds up to nothing less than an evening that changes the world for good.
On Monday, February 10th, The Jewish Federation’s King David Society Dinner and 2014 Annual Campaign Kickoff began with a warm welcome from KDS Event Co-Chairs Lili & Jon Bosse who worked with their Co-Chairs Lisa & Victor Kohn, Marcia & Doug Mankoff and Jill & Steven Namm to make the event at the Beverly Hills Hotel a meaningful success. Young leaders Amanda & Aaron Kogan rocked the house as they led the room in the American and Israeli national anthems and the motzi. Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson spoke passionately about our work and introduced 2014 General Campaign Chair Julie B. Platt, whose heartfelt words inspired great generosity by the audience that included 4 of the Platt children.
The highlight of the evening was a candid and fascinating conversation between Marc Platt and Stephen Schwartz, two creative geniuses who, between them, are known for some of the most exciting and innovative works ever produced for the Broadway stage, film and TV. With Schwartz at the keyboard, the men shared moments from the creative process behind Wicked, the Broadway hit which has run for 10 years that shows no signs of stopping.
Checkout images from the event:
Based on the enthusiastic applause for the program, a great time was had by all. Thanks to the generous support of those in attendance, to the tune of $3.3 million raised that night, our 2014 Annual Campaign is off to an incredible start as we strive to change the world – as the song from Wicked suggests – for good.
For more information, contact Lori Tessel at LTessel@JewishLA.org.
