Putting the ‘Fun’ in Fundraising : How a group of local Jewish women are putting a newfound twist on the time old tradition of tzedakah

By Samantha Hain

From first glance, it looked like a New York City nightclub. Scores of people waiting on line to get into the hottest spot of the night. The music infectious as it blares beyond the walls toward the eager crowd awaiting what was inside. I, for one, had no idea what to expect, knowing nothing but the address and the cause I was coming to support.

As a “city girl” new to the 5 Towns, I reveled in delight as I walked through the heavy-set double doors of a Hewlett Bay Park manse into an event so boisterous and exciting that I almost forgot  that these women were gathered for a very specific purpose. Sara, my Breslover friend from Israel, grabbed my hand and introduced me the Co-chairs, who along with their diverse committee of women from the 5 Towns and the 5 boroughs, created a one-of-a-kind raffle-driven, runway show, fashion extravaganza in less than 3 weeks times, with proceeds all going to Sara’s charity Shlomzion.

As I watched the models don custom ensembles down the runway and lucky goers hear their names called out to claim prizes such as a giant flat-screen television, furniture, a Mountain Buggy stroller and beauty gift baskets featuring all the makeup fit for a diva, I knew I wanted in on being a part of this innovative approach to charity events.

Since their first event in 2007, Couture for a Cause Co-chairs Esther Silber and Michal Weinstein have been thinking up newfangled ways to make fresh events that give something back to the guests as well as to the attached charity. “There are sadly so many causes that people are asked to give to, so we think the concept of making a free evening for  women with flare, fashion and fun is part of the appeal,” said Weinstein of Woodmere. “We try to make it as glamorous as possible, housing it at Esther's beautiful home and adding red carpet touches such as the sponsor backdrop with logos and swag bags, like you usually see at celebrity events.”

And this year is no exception to the rule, with the theme being Couture for a Cause Kids, featuring a children-modeled runway show and grandiose children-related raffles such as custom interior designed nurseries, lazy days at the beach club, art-lessons, the iPad and MAC Air Book, hand-painted furniture, strollers, SAT tutoring, a semester of gymnastics and the Nintendo Wii to name a small few. The committee has been working diligently to come up with out of the box raffles that are both frivolous and functional, such as $500 gift certificate towards braces, gifted by a local orthodontist.

“Couture for a  Cause is organized by women out of the goodness of their hearts and it is really a community effort, as 100% of our proceeds come from the generosity of all those donating raffles. In addition, all the money goes straight to charity. The event costs are covered by the generous women involved,” added Weinstein, an in-demand graphic design artist and owner of MLW Designs, who donates her services and time, as well.

This year, my involvement is that of Honorary Co-chair, and I couldn’t be prouder of our upcoming event, which is scheduled to take place May 27th. While an elaborate, free event is quite labor intensive, the benefits are surely great, as Shlomzion dedicates itself to helping orphans and widows in Jerusalem. And since the charity itself is run by our dear friends Sara and Yoni Melman, who made aaliyah from Woodmere over 5 years ago, we are confident in knowing that all moneys are going directly to those who are in need. Whether it be food for Shabbos, medical care or clothing and diapers, Sara and Yoni deliver with modesty and compassion, which is what makes the charity so intimate. Nobody is turned away or judged. The idea of Tikin Olam, restoring the world, is taken most literally.

The history between Silber, Weinstein and Melman go back to the days of school uniforms and while all their lives have taken different directions, they have remained close friends who are committed to each other and the entire Jewish population. Silber is graciously opening her home to everyone this year, encouraging women young and old, near and far to come in and join the fun.

“This year is going to be beyond fabulous. Every year I say ‘This year will top the others,’  and I‘m saying it again because it really will” said Silber, whose business savvy comes into play when putting Couture for a Cause together. “From the first year till now, my marketing and event planning business along with my public relations company Esther Inc. have grown tremendously, which directly translates into a more spectacular night…Be prepared for a celebrity guest or two to drop by.”

For more information on Couture for a Cause and Shlomzion, please visit www.CoutureforCause.com