Houston young executives plan Alexander JFS gala auctions
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Courtney and Josh Garson are auction chairs for the JFS LiVE! gala.
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The torch has been passed to a new generation of leadership supporting the JFS LiVE! gala – “Songs in the Key of JFS” on Thursday, Nov. 21. Courtney and Josh Garson and their team of more than 40 auction committee volunteers invite the entire community to participate in two distinct auctions. With new energy and many new exciting auction items, there certainly will be something for everyone.
A Pre-Event Auction will be held, Sunday to Sunday, Nov. 3-10, and items will not be available at the event auction. The Night of the Event Auction on Nov. 21 may be previewed online or in person. This year’s Night of the Event Auction includes the Big Board of exceptional “wow” experiences and getaways.
To be notified when bidding is open for both auctions, sign up at bit.ly/jfsliveauction2024.
In her family, Courtney Garson represents the second generation of Alexander JFS leadership, following her mother Debra Cohen’s example.
“Alexander JFS has always held a special place in my heart, especially with my mother’s history as past president,” said Courtney. “[As I witnessed] the organization’s crucial work in supporting the most vulnerable in our community, it was the first place Josh and I wanted to get involved when we moved back to Houston.”
“Leading the auction allows us to not only raise vital funds but also to introduce the next generation to this important cause,” added Josh Garson. “Being involved in the community where I raise my children is incredibly important to me.
“I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of JFS in other cities – through loved ones – and I wanted to contribute to their meaningful work here in Houston. Leading the auction is a chance to make a real difference, leveraging the generosity of our community and the hard work of our committee.”
The committee has been reaching out to generous businesses to find auction items that will thrill and inspire donations.
“Every item in our auction is special, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said Courtney. “But we’re particularly thrilled about the unique experiences like the RC Ranch Wagyu dinner and Karbach Brewery tour; the luxurious getaway at The Post Oak Hotel; the fabulous gift card from Zadok Jewelers; and the chance to experience a piece of paradise in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. And for those seeking pampering or adventure, the spa packages and Aspen experiences are sure to delight.”
With a focus on engaging a younger clientele, the auctions also will provide many family activities and helpful services.
The Garsons have been inspired by the the energy and fresh perspectives of their young committee members, who have brought innovative ideas and a genuine passion for Alexander JFS’ mission. The couple also has loved being part of the excitement behind the scenes and have found it incredibly rewarding to see the next generation step up and embrace JFS’ cause.
Auction committee members include Ali Bamberger, Alex Brown, Andrew Burnett, Leah Oliver Christman, Debra Cohen, Hilary Cohen, Sheila Sachnowitz Curl, Sherryl Davis, Rachel Evans, Vikki Evans, Jason Feldman, Michelle Fredricks, Arin Freedman, Auna Freedman, Donald Freedman, Emily Freedman, Henry Freedman, Sam Freedman, Fredda Friedlander, Karen Harberg, Ilana Freedman Hart, Dave Hart, Adrian Heid, Alan Helfman, Lorraine Jacobs, Carolyn Kaplan, Joy Kaplan, Ashley Katz, Jill Klaff, Alix Udelson LaPoten, Justin LaPoten, Isabel Mayer, Michael Mazvinsky, Jan Miller, Maureen Proler, Susan Schneider, Laura Signet, Alyssa Silver, Jay Steinfeld, Aileen Weycer, Barbara Winthrop, Jamie Wolf, Sandi Helfman Wolf and Steven Wolf.
The annual JFS LiVE! gala raises unrestricted funds for Alexander JFS to support behavioral and mental health, case management, career and employment, disability, chaplaincy and senior services, all of which are provided to people of all faiths and backgrounds. In addition, winning bids from both auctions will bring important revenue to further support Alexander JFS services.
Bidding for the Pre-Event Auction opens Nov. 3 at 9 a.m., and closes Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Winning bidders may pick up their items beginning Monday, Nov. 11.
Bidding for the Night of Event Auction and Big Board opens on Nov. 21 at noon and closes at 10 p.m.
For auction questions, contact Laura Signet at [email protected] or 713-986-7810.
To make reservations for “Songs in the Key of JFS,” go to alexanderjfs.org/events or contact Tiffany Dorsey at [email protected] or 713-986-7811.
Alexander JFS is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and a United Way-funded partner.
A Pre-Event Auction will be held, Sunday to Sunday, Nov. 3-10, and items will not be available at the event auction. The Night of the Event Auction on Nov. 21 may be previewed online or in person. This year’s Night of the Event Auction includes the Big Board of exceptional “wow” experiences and getaways.
To be notified when bidding is open for both auctions, sign up at bit.ly/jfsliveauction2024.
In her family, Courtney Garson represents the second generation of Alexander JFS leadership, following her mother Debra Cohen’s example.
“Alexander JFS has always held a special place in my heart, especially with my mother’s history as past president,” said Courtney. “[As I witnessed] the organization’s crucial work in supporting the most vulnerable in our community, it was the first place Josh and I wanted to get involved when we moved back to Houston.”
“Leading the auction allows us to not only raise vital funds but also to introduce the next generation to this important cause,” added Josh Garson. “Being involved in the community where I raise my children is incredibly important to me.
“I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of JFS in other cities – through loved ones – and I wanted to contribute to their meaningful work here in Houston. Leading the auction is a chance to make a real difference, leveraging the generosity of our community and the hard work of our committee.”
The committee has been reaching out to generous businesses to find auction items that will thrill and inspire donations.
“Every item in our auction is special, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said Courtney. “But we’re particularly thrilled about the unique experiences like the RC Ranch Wagyu dinner and Karbach Brewery tour; the luxurious getaway at The Post Oak Hotel; the fabulous gift card from Zadok Jewelers; and the chance to experience a piece of paradise in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. And for those seeking pampering or adventure, the spa packages and Aspen experiences are sure to delight.”
With a focus on engaging a younger clientele, the auctions also will provide many family activities and helpful services.
The Garsons have been inspired by the the energy and fresh perspectives of their young committee members, who have brought innovative ideas and a genuine passion for Alexander JFS’ mission. The couple also has loved being part of the excitement behind the scenes and have found it incredibly rewarding to see the next generation step up and embrace JFS’ cause.
Auction committee members include Ali Bamberger, Alex Brown, Andrew Burnett, Leah Oliver Christman, Debra Cohen, Hilary Cohen, Sheila Sachnowitz Curl, Sherryl Davis, Rachel Evans, Vikki Evans, Jason Feldman, Michelle Fredricks, Arin Freedman, Auna Freedman, Donald Freedman, Emily Freedman, Henry Freedman, Sam Freedman, Fredda Friedlander, Karen Harberg, Ilana Freedman Hart, Dave Hart, Adrian Heid, Alan Helfman, Lorraine Jacobs, Carolyn Kaplan, Joy Kaplan, Ashley Katz, Jill Klaff, Alix Udelson LaPoten, Justin LaPoten, Isabel Mayer, Michael Mazvinsky, Jan Miller, Maureen Proler, Susan Schneider, Laura Signet, Alyssa Silver, Jay Steinfeld, Aileen Weycer, Barbara Winthrop, Jamie Wolf, Sandi Helfman Wolf and Steven Wolf.
The annual JFS LiVE! gala raises unrestricted funds for Alexander JFS to support behavioral and mental health, case management, career and employment, disability, chaplaincy and senior services, all of which are provided to people of all faiths and backgrounds. In addition, winning bids from both auctions will bring important revenue to further support Alexander JFS services.
Bidding for the Pre-Event Auction opens Nov. 3 at 9 a.m., and closes Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Winning bidders may pick up their items beginning Monday, Nov. 11.
Bidding for the Night of Event Auction and Big Board opens on Nov. 21 at noon and closes at 10 p.m.
For auction questions, contact Laura Signet at [email protected] or 713-986-7810.
To make reservations for “Songs in the Key of JFS,” go to alexanderjfs.org/events or contact Tiffany Dorsey at [email protected] or 713-986-7811.
Alexander JFS is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and a United Way-funded partner.
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