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An

Photos by Brett Mountain

EPIC Night
That Makes An
EPIC Impact

Don’t miss NEXTGen Detroit’s
premiere fundraiser.

Becky Hurvitz | Special to the Jewish News

F

ederation’s NEXTGen Detroit is set
to host EPIC, its premiere fundrais-
ing event, on Saturday night, March
12, brought to the community by Alan J.
and Sue Kaufman and family.
With a new venue and featured talent
Bob Saget, arguably the biggest name
that’s ever headlined the event, there are
high hopes for this year’s annual fund-
raiser. While EPIC will be a swanky night
out for the anticipated 650 guests, it is
always so much more than a party.
“Last year, we raised nearly $290,000
and welcomed 81 new donors to
Federation’s Annual Campaign,” said
NEXTGen Detroit President Steve
Migliore. “Our young adult community
cares.
“The more we share the amazing work
of Federation and how we’re supporting
the needs of the Jewish people and build-
ing a vibrant Jewish future here in Detroit,
in Israel and around the world, the more
our generation rises to the challenge.”
Now in its fifth year, the success of EPIC
reflects a growing, thriving and passion-
ate young Jewish Detroit. Since its start in
2012, EPIC has been an opportunity for
Detroit’s young Jewish community to step
out and step up with a spectacular night
Downtown that’s not only entertaining,
but also inspiring.
“EPIC is a time to present the NEXTGen
Detroit community with a powerful case
for giving,” said Alana Shamban, EPIC
co-chair. “And for the last five years,
EPIC-goers have done just that — they’ve
given. The event has played a major role
in increasing the number of NEXTGen
Detroit donors by more than 100 percent
since 2012.

16 February 25 • 2016

Scenes from last year’s EPIC event

“Attendance and dollars raised for
be held at the MGM Grand Casino.
the Federation’s Annual Campaign
NEXTGen Detroit also moved its
at EPIC grow every year. There
largest event of the year, Latke
is no denying that the next
Vodka, from Royal Oak to
generation of leaders and
Detroit this past November.
supporters are embracing
“We’re all about shaking
their local Jewish com-
things up this year,” said
munity and their global
Stefanie Tuzman, NEXTGen
Jewish family — and
Detroit director. “Two new
they’re putting their
venues for our two larg-
money where their
est events — it’s just one
hearts are.”
way we’re embracing
Alan J. Kaufman
change and in the
said, “Our family is
process bringing our
excited to once again
attendees to wonder-
sponsor NEXTGen
ful, iconic locations in
Detroit’s EPIC. In the
the city of Detroit.”
last four years that we
The star of the show
have had the privilege
this year will be Bob
of being the present-
Saget, headlining the
ing sponsor, we have
main event with an hour
seen the tremendous
of standup, which he
Bob Saget
reach and impact that
himself bills as “rated
this event has had on the
R-ish.”
NEXTGen Detroit community and its
The NEXTGen Detroit generation
emerging leaders.
knows Saget best as Danny Tanner from
“This year, we have chosen to increase
the long-running television show Full
our commitment to this very important
House and as the host and man who made
program because of the continued success the many voices on America’s Funniest
we have seen year after year with both
Home Videos. But Bob Saget the comedian
young adult engagement and the partici-
is notorious for his special brand of com-
pants’ commitment to support the Detroit edy that is very much for mature audi-
Jewish community.
ences only.
“We are confident that this bright, pas-
“Bob Saget is hysterical, and we are so
sionate and generous generation will no
excited to have him as the talent at EPIC,”
doubt continue to carry on the legacy of a said Jeff Selik, EPIC co-chair. “With the
vibrant and thriving Jewish community in upcoming premiere of Fuller House on
Metropolitan Detroit.”
Netflix, there’s a lot of buzz around Bob
EPIC will take place at the Detroit
Saget, and we’re confident that his popu-
Marriott at the Renaissance Center, mak-
larity and reputation for being an over-
ing this the first year the event will not
the-top comic will bring in a huge crowd

this year.”
Guests are invited to a pre-glow recep-
tion before the main event, which will
include an open bar and small bites, and
to stay for dancing and a late-night menu
at the after-party. Donors of $1,000 or
more also are invited to a VIP reception
complete with a meet-and-greet and
photo op with Saget.
“EPIC is a celebration of our genera-
tion’s commitment and investment to the
future,” said Scott Mitnick, EPIC co-chair.
“At a time when many communities in
Europe and elsewhere are dealing with
issues of anti-Semitism and violence, it is
so powerful to see the young Jewish adults
of Detroit standing up to make sure the
same does not happen in our community.
“EPIC showcases that Metro Detroit has
one of the strongest, most involved com-
munities of young adults who are eager to
carry the torch of the generations before
us who built our community.
“It is important for everyone at EPIC
and anyone thinking about coming to
know that they’re not just signing up for
an EPIC time with friends, food, drinks,
laughs and dancing, but that every dollar
raised at EPIC also makes a difference in
the life of a Jewish person, whether it’s
here in Metro Detroit or in Israel or any-
where Jews are in need.”
Join Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit at
EPIC at 8 p.m. March 12 at the Detroit
Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
Advanced registration is required. Event
details and tickets are available by contact-
ing Sara Aronovitz at (248) 203-1485 or
aronovitz@jfmd.org. or at jewishdetroit.
org/epic. Registration closes at noon
March 4.

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