Gems and Jeans 2018: Casual is the new glam

An 18th anniversary is a meaningful milestone for a Jewish organization-one that surely warrants a glitzy black-tie affair. But the Jewish Pavilion's Gems and Jeans 2018, to be held Oct. 28, was deliberately designed to be a more laid-back and "haimish" (welcoming) party, where fun and friends are the main focus and where the simple good works of the Pavilion's hundreds of volunteers are honored and celebrated.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour with appetizers, while guests can view and bid on silent auction items. The dinner will include an array of delicious options to please every palate, plus a dessert bar and coffee.

This year, entertainment will be provided by the celebrated crooner Michael Andrew-a consummate entertainer with a rich, soulful voice and a delightful way with swing and American Songbook standards-who will front a jazz band with some of Orlando's finest musicians: Michael Kramer on keyboards, Ben Kramer on bass, Greg Parnell on drums and Terry Meyers on saxophone.

"These talented musicians are fantastic individually and together they are amazing," said Nancy Ludin, CEO, who has seen them regularly at area jazz clubs. Ludin offers special thanks to Paul Stenzler of Rhythm Release, who arranged for the music at the gala.

Stenzler is one of this year's gala honorees. He is the Pavilion Board of Directors' immediate past president and served on the board for several years prior, in addition to his many hours of volunteering for the Pavilion as a Shabbat and holiday service leader.

Jason Mendelsohn will also be honored this year. He is a board member and an enthusiastic ambassador for the Pavilion in the Orlando community. His family company, Ashar Group, is a Pavilion sponsor.

The Jewish Pavilion brings Jewish community and culture to hundreds of Orlando seniors who live in more than 70 independent, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities all over town. Many are rarely able to leave their buildings, and most live in buildings with very few other Jews. Without the programs and friendly visits of Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers, these seniors would be isolated from the Jewish community.

So pair some comfortable jeans with a casually fashionable top (and maybe some jewels-a little bling never hurts), and come to Gems and Jeans 2018 on Oct. 28 at Hilton Orlando North. For tickets and information, visit https://jpav.ticketspice.com/gala-october-2018 or call 407-678-9363.