by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

March 31, 2009

Although flyers proclaim that this is The “New” Main Event, guests can still expect the traditional evening of fun and display of generosity at the dinner sponsored by the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County. More than 200 community members are expected to attend the 11th annual Main Event at Congregation Magen David in Deal on Thursday, April 30.

Last year, the event raised more than $250,000, and cochairs Robin Parness Lipson and Dawn Barofsky are hoping that even with the financial downturn, donors will again respond.

“The spirit of tzedaka and the strength found in Jewish heritage are alive and well,” said Parness Lipson, a Morganville resident. “In spite of the economy, there is still a lot of generosity out there.”

But the faltering economy has caused changes in the world of fund-raising and philanthropy, acknowledged Barofsky, of Wayside.

“The world is a different place than it was last year,” she said. “Many lives and financial situations have drastically changed. People are extremely cautious about how they spend and donate their money. But this is a thank-you event for our givers. We’ll be happy, whatever the results.”

The funds raised at each annual Main Event become part of the federation’s annual campaign. The monies support a variety of projects, including medical, social, and educational services for children and adults; activities for special-needs children; home delivery of kosher meals for senior citizens; chaplaincy programs; assistance for Holocaust survivors; resettlement in Israel of Jews from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia; and assistance to Israeli adult and child victims of terror and war.

Beth Krinsky of Manalapan will receive the Woman of Distinction Award for her longtime commitment to the Jewish community and the State of Israel at the event, which, Barofsky said, is certain to be an evening of fun and entertainment — and will have a different format from those in previous years.

For example, there will not be a guest speaker, which also means there will be no hefty speaker fees to contend with, she said (previous speakers have included newswoman/author Lynn Sherr, entertainment reporter Jill Rappaport, photojournalist Linda Solomon, and comedian Judy Gold).

Instead, a fashion show — displaying apparel from The Boutique in Freehold and Balizza of Red Bank — will feature as models women from Monmouth County’s Jewish community, who will circulate through the dining room rather than parade down a runway. Fashions for all ages and sizes will be represented, Barofsky said.

“It was time for a change. It was time to do something to attract the ‘new’ woman,” she said.

‘Outside the box’

Other new initiatives are in place, said Parness Lipson. For the first time, an event journal containing affordable ads will be available, and the dining format will be slightly less structured, she said.

“We want the women to be able to engage and socialize,” Parness Lipson said. “There will be assigned tables as usual, but there will also be a two-hour period during which they can visit different gourmet cuisine stations. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a huge table of dessert choices will be there. We think this will encourage more camaraderie.”

It also will provide the guests with the opportunity to share information about the federation’s mission, she added.

“We’re trying to reach outside the box, and we hope this year’s Main Event will bring more women into Women’s Philanthropy and federation activities,” said Parness Lipson.

As in past years, a gift baskets raffle will be held, but this year’s event also will include a special drawing for a luxury watch donated by Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry of Manalapan.

The event committee began planning for the evening shortly after the conclusion of the May 2008 Main Event, which was a joint effort of Women’s Philanthropy of the Monmouth County federation and the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Each group is conducting its own 2009 Main Event.

Parness Lipson and Barofsky, who became friends during last year’s project, said this year’s experience was equally harmonious.

“Robin and I bring out each other’s strengths,” said Barofsky. “We didn’t know each other well before we cochaired in 2008, but we quickly found we work well together. It’s developed into a friendship.”

And they agree that every Main Event has a common purpose, said Parness Lipson.

“Although the style and tone of the night will be different this year, the Main Event celebrates the power of each woman to make a difference,” she said. “That part never changes.”

Additional information about the event is available by calling 732-866-4300 or 732-531-6200, ext. 220.

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