MEN’S NIGHT OUT—Keith Berne, above, clasps hands with the dealer after finally breaking a losing streak at the blackjack table at Men’s Night Out. The casino raised $1,000 for an American Jewish Joint Distribution water project in Ethiopia and enabled participants to win prizes. Co-chairs Brad Gevurtz and Eric Kodesch addressed the crowd of about 120 men, which included Rob Shlachter, Jerry Sadis and Jordan Schnitzer.

 

Men's Night Out helps bring campaign nearer goal

By PAUL HAIST

article created on: 2009-02-15T00:00:00

This year’s Men’s Night Out Feb. 3 in the Mittleman Jewish Community Center ballroom attracted some 120 Jewish men.

Attendance was down somewhat from the previous Men’s Night Out in 2007. Still, organizers of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland event were pleased.

Co-chair Eric Kodesch said, “I thought it was a wonderful event. I was happy with the turnout. It was great that so many people stayed for casino night.”

The evening began with a social hour followed by a robust kosher buffet banquet, a presentation by Ethos Water co-founder Jonathan Greenblatt (see story page 1) and then an opportunity to gamble for prizes.

Casino participants could choose from poker, roulette, blackjack and craps. Proceeds from the sale of gambling scrip went to American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee water projects in Ethiopia.

Kodesch was gratified by the range of age groups represented among the attendees.

“It felt good to see the wide variety of generations. I was with my wife’s uncle and his future son-in-law. I saw lots of fathers and sons,” he said.

He noted also that the room included not just people who routinely show up at Jewish community events, underscoring the importance of the event as an outreach exercise.

“It shows the community has a need or desire for that sort of outreach,” said Kodesch.

Brad Gevurtz was the other event co-chair. He was impressed by Greenblatt and the fact that his remarks got the attention of the men in the room.

“His presentation showed how he took a risk and started with nothing and made it into an international success. And then he gave back to the community,” said Gevurtz. “Those stories are just incredible to hear.”

Gevurtz said there was a palpable connection between all the men in the room.

“I was impressed with the camaraderie there,” he said.

And people had a good time too.

“I talked to people after the event and they told me, ‘This was really fun,’” said Gevurtz.

Both co-chairs praised the federation’s event planner, Jennifer Greenberg, for making the night a success.

The JFGP’s Robert Horenstein oversees the planning for Men’s Night Out. He said the event is chiefly an outreach event with the goal of contacting new people, but that it also includes a fund-raising component for the federation’s Annual Campaign, which is currently under way.

Campaign Co-chairs Michael Weiner and Rabbi Alan Berg (Co-chair Sharon Weil could not attend) called on those present to weigh their commitment to the campaign.

Weiner said, “Tonight is an opportunity to make a difference,” and he reminded those who already have made their pledge that “adding to it is a mitzvah.”

Berg drew parallels with the previous weekend’s Superbowl game.

“We picked a tough year to keep this community cared for,” he said, referring to the troubled economy. “In this unbearable year, we have been fighting for every yard. … With your help we may be in reach of our goal.”
Horenstein said the appeal generated more than $8,000 for the campaign.