>> ... Next Generation ...

An EPIC Night

The NEXT generation of Jewish leaders turns
out to raise money for Annual Campaign.

BECKY HURVITZ I SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

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n Feb. 28, the doors of the MGM Grand
Detroit ballroom opened to reveal a gospel
choir, filling the room with beautiful, booming
voices as the procession of red robes made
their way to the stage. Federation's NEXTGen Detroit's fourth
annual EPIC Event was off to an EPIC start, and the crowd of
500 young adults knew then that they were in for something
special.

The EPIC Event, sponsored by Alan J. & Sue Kaufman and
family, is NEXTGen Detroit's premiere fundraising event, this
year raising $269,981 for Federation's 2015 Annual Campaign
and welcoming 81 new donors. But beyond these impressive
numbers, which reflect a 30 percent gift-for-gift increase from
last year from the same group of donors, the sea of EPIC
attendees that filled the grand ballroom was a true testament
to the collective engagement of the young Jewish community
here in Detroit.
"EPIC is a spectacular event
that reflects the spirit of a vibrant
Jewish community throughout Metro
Detroit," said Alan J. Kaufman,
president, chairman and CEO of
the Kaufman Financial Group.
"Our family's continued support of
NEXTGen Detroit is an important
investment for the growth and
success of our community."
Before the Selected of God Choir,
known for their appearance in the
Chrysler Super Bowl ad featuring
Eminem, kicked off the evening's
program, attendees enjoyed a pre-
glow reception with hors d'oeuvres
and cocktails. The program continued
EPIC Event sponsors Alan J. and Sue Kaufman, right, and family with
with guest speaker Alina Spaulding,

who shared her inspiring story of leaving the former Soviet
Union as a child with her parents and being relocated to the
U.S., where they were cared for thanks to the work of Jewish
Federations. She credits her life and the many opportunities
she has had to the generosity and dedication of Federation
donors.
"The night was fantastic! It was awesome to see our
community answer the call again," said Scott Mitnick,
NEXTGen Detroit board member and EPIC co-chair. "With
young and up-and-coming leaders in our community like
my co-chair Adam Blanck, I can confidently say that we as a
community will be here for good."
Headlining the evening's entertainment was comedian and
actor T.J. Miller, who currently stars in HBO's Silicon Valley.
His over-the-top comedic style had the audience in hysterics.
Attendees stayed for dancing and late-night bites, continuing
the celebration of the next generation of Jewish community
builders, leaders and philanthropists into the night.
"This year's EPIC was, well, EPIC!" said Adam Blanck,
NEXTGen Detroit board member and EPIC co-chair. "Beyond
T.J. Miller's hilarious jokes and heartfelt tribute to Detroit, the
always-great drinks and food and the resounding entrance by
the Selected of God Choir, there was Alina Spaulding and her
miraculous message of what the Jewish community means
to individuals around the world. At the end of the fun night,
it was really about how together we can change lives and
support our Jewish future."

Speaker Aline Spaulding and EPIC co-chair Adam
Blanck

Rabbi Dan and Miriam Horwitz, Lauren and Jordan
Acker

Selected of God Choir from the Chrysler-Eminem
Super Bowl commercial performing for the crowd

Jenna Blanck, Melanie Shaw, Lindsey Shaw and
Brian Brodsky

Scott Sadoff, comedian T.J. Miller, Aaron Belen
and Jessica Ashley

Seth Fisher, Emily Mitnick, Rachel Fisher and EPIC
co-chair Scott Mitnick

comedian T.J. Miller, center

❑

March 12 • 2015

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