Men's Night Out event brings the men of the community together

One of the biggest surprises of last year's Men's Night Out-which is happening again on Nov. 8 at Congregation Ohev Shalom-was the "reunion" that occurred between men who, because of work, different synagogue memberships and commitments, had not seen each other in years.

Ken Davis, COS Men's Club Board member and JCC board member, summed up the evening saying there was "great food, lots of laughs, and best of all having fun with old and new friends."

Michael Soll, COS Men's Club Board member and Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando Board member, agrees with Davis. "The most interesting realization for me in the first year of MNO was how much the attendees simply enjoyed reconnecting with friends who are at different synagogues or different circles."

The gathering is not just about reconnecting, but is the venue for an evening of great food, drinks and a very funny comedian. Cory Kahaney is a well-known standup comic who will bring down the house with her brand of humor. The event is also the vehicle for raising funds for Jewish youth education programs.

"The best kept secret of the event is that by enjoying themselves, these men have actually provided real benefits to our Jewish youth in education and summer camp programs, hallmarks to the future health of the Jewish people," Soll stated.

"So many men from last year asked if we could hold this event two or three times a year, since it is the only event that brings together Jewish men from across the entire community," said Bart Neuman, COS Board member and Men's Night Out project director.

Of course the event, even as good as it was, for various reasons can't be held more than once a year, but it can be held annually, which is exactly what the Men's Night Out committee plans to do.

This year's Men's Night Out will be held Nov. 8 in the COS Ballroom. Cocktails will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m .; dinner at 7 p.m .; and the comedy show will begin at 8:30 p.m. The cost for the evening is $100 ($136 after Nov. 1) and benefits Jewish youth education programs.

This event is organized by Congregation Beth Am, Temple Israel, Southwest Orlando Jewish congregation, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Congregation Ohev Shalom and The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando.

Sponsors of Men's Night Out include Universal Engineering Sciences, Nelson Financial Planning, Harriett Lake Foundation, Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, Arthur's Catering, The Soll Family, Cote Periodontics, The Law Office of Wayne Bilsky and Heritage Florida Jewish News. The Men's Night Out premier sponsors, Alan Ginsburg and Aaron Gorovitz, are providing the funding for the catering from Arthur's.

"We cannot thank our sponsors enough for their support. This is the only event of this kind and no one can afford to miss this opportunity," said Neuman.

Online tickets/sponsorships are available at http://www.jfgo.org/MNO.