Event Date: January 29, 2023
Location: Hilton Americas-Houston
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
No. of Attendees: 650+
Money Raised: $1,500,000
Honorary Chairs: Bebe and John Falik
Chairpersons: Denise & Steve Estrin and Robert & Alyse Caplan
Honorees: Susie and Scott Bender
Event Coordination: francisco + co
Event Décor: Let It Fly Events
Florals: Blooms by H-E-B
Entertainment: Mango Punch
Photography: Daniel Ortiz
Grandchildren Stole the Show at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services’ Record-Breaking Gala
It’s been said that “A Child Shall Lead them.” Such was the case at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services’ “Back Together … and it Feels So Good” Gala at Hilton Americas-Houston, where after a three-year hiatus, more than 650 guests raised upwards of $1.5 million for the care of the elderly who reside at this long-standing facility.
Co-chairs and Seven Acres Board Members Denise and Steve Estrin and Robert and Alyse Caplan along with Honorary Chairs Bebe and John Falik, welcomed guests, after an exciting cocktail reception replete with a “Martini Bar” and “Champagne Girl,” entertained the crowd. After delicious cuisine, the crowd got a wonderful surprise as honorees Susie and Scott Bender’s six grandchildren (ages 5-10) came to the podium to introduce their grandparents, and what a sweet, moving and impressive youthful introduction they gave! Their oldest grandson Jack said, “We are ShuShu and Poppy’s six grandchildren and their biggest fans: I’m Jack, this is Leo, Max, Rose, Sally and Sam. We are very proud of our Grandparents today and every day. We also want to thank you for recognizing them this evening.” A proud moment for the honorees and their family, as Seven Acres CEO Barry Goldstein and President Michael Feinstein, along with the grandchildren, presented the Benders with the Joyce Proler Schechter Spirit of Life award!
A round of applause to Let It Fly Events, who provided décor, and florals by Blooms by H-E-B, who created a very special and memorable ambiance for those attending.
Auction chair Diane Kaminsky deserves much credit for assembling a very successful and engaging auction, consisting of a Gift Card Pull, Wine Pull, Raffle and Big Board. The lead item of the Raffle was a pair of vintage white and yellow diamond earrings, set in 18K yellow and white gold from Tenenbaum, as well as trips to New Orleans and NYC. However, the jaw-dropper in the entire auction was an “Ask” from the stage to the audience. A whopping and record-breaking $180,000 was raised just from that!
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Buster Freedman, Sandy and Robert Light, Dennis Laviage, Rhona and Bruce Caress, Kim and John Trimble, Lisa and Joel Bender, Sherry and Ken Levy, Rabbi Brian and Lisa Strauss, Barbara Bratter, Esther and Doug Freedman, Linda and Andy Burger, Carl Josehart, Sam Jacobson, Renee Wizig-Barrios, and Amy and Adam Mincberg
