Metro
AROUND
Good Deal!
ORT supporters gather for annual Rub-a-Dub fundraiser.
Randy Wertheimer
of Franklin, Sharon
Eisenshtadt of Bloomfield
Hills and David Gans of
Birmingham
H
e was in rare form. Brian Hermelin of Bingham Farms, son of the late phi-
lanthropist and ambassador David Hermelin channeled Howie Mandel, the
quirky host of the popular game show Deal or No Deal, as he ran a live auction
at ORT's annual Rub-a-Dub fundraiser.
Hermelin even appeared bald, with an earring and goatee,
just like Mandel, in a digitally remastered photograph on the
invitation for the Aug. 14 event at Franklin Hills Country Club
in Farmington Hills. This year's theme, "Deal or No Deal:' was
a take-off on the game show where contestants choose from a
series of briefcases, hoping to win the one containing the most
money. About 350 people attended.
"Brian embraced the theme above and beyond — with the
spirit of his father!" said Sharon Eisenshtadt of Bloomfield
Hills. "I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it."
Eisenshtadt chaired the event with Meredith and Robert
Colburn and Lynda and Conrad Giles, all of Bloomfield Hills,
Karen and Gary Kligman of Bloomfield Hills
A24 August 21 • 2008
and Andi and Larry Wolfe of West Bloomfield.
More than two decades ago, David Hermelin and his wife, Doreen, now ORT's inter-
national president, started Rub-a-Dub at their Bingham Farms home. Back then, they
bought instant rub-off Michigan Lottery tickets and donated any winnings to ORT. Now,
the event includes live and silent auctions, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and dinner. A three-
month lease on a 2009 Jaguar XK convertible, a Bedat & Co. diamond lady's watch, vaca-
tions, spa packages and other prizes went to the highest bidders. Proceeds help support
ORT's global network of schools, including the David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center
in West Bloomfield.
"In this difficult economy, we're helping people learn important skills to get them back
into the workplace said Eisenshtadt. "We live in such a giving community and people
really rise to the occasion at fundraisers like this. We're very thankful."
Spotted in the Rub-a-Dub crowd were: Laurel and Joel Schwartz and Marla and
Brian Young, all of West Bloomfield; Andy Meisner of Berkley; Andy Farbman of
Franklin; Stacy and Jason Raznick of Birmingham; and Brian Elias, Larry Miller,
Jodi and Adam Becker and Rena and Mark Gardner, all of Bloomfield Hills. ❑
Gene and Sue Curtis of West Bloomfield, Doreen Hermelin of
Bingham Farms and Mel Lester of Franklin
Brian Hermelin with Sharon and Howard
Eisenshtadt