Hats off to this year's Choices ambassadors

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's Choices' 40 ambassadors have been working hard to make this year's event the party of the year.

On April 14, Choices will be off and running into its 21st celebration, starting out of the gate with a Kentucky Derby-themed cocktail party, complete with its own signature drink created especially for Choices women, "The Sparkling Mint Jewlep," to sip while mingling with friends or having pictures taken against a green screen with images of racing scenes or enjoying a drink and lavish hors d'oeuvres at multiple bars and food stations, including a Glatt Kosher table, kosher wines, beverages, all provided by renowned Arthur's Creative Events and Catering.

What is the Kentucky Derby without hats? There will be a hat contest with nice prizes for winners in various categories, as well as many items to be raffled, including a Donna Dowless painting (Dowless was named the "Ambassador of Love" for the city of Orlando by Mayor Buddy Dyer), theater tickets for "Anything Goes," (front row, center, mezzanine), a beautiful vintage Chanel handbag (donated by Harriett Lake) and much more. Raffle tickets are $25 each; 10 for $100.

After the cocktail hour, guests will be escorted by Choices ambassadors into Congregation Ohev Shalom's sanctuary for an inspiring program with a few short stories of how Federation has made a significant difference in the lives of the presenters. Ina Porth will be honored as the 2015 Harriet Ginsburg Woman of Choice and guest speaker Jennifer Weiner will charm and entertain with her comedic wit.

At Choices, much-needed funds are raised, ensuring a strong Jewish community for generations to come.

All the ambassadors look forward to seeing the women of this community at Choices, April 14 at Congregation Ohev Shalom. Registration is at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.jfgo.org or email Meril Salzburg at choices@jfgo.org or call 407-645-5933, ext. 239.