Submission #191 by Agudas Achim Brotherhood - Columbus, OH (308)

I have read the General Guidelines, "Nuts and Bolts" and Program Advanced Planning (Excel Spreadsheet) Documents
Club Name
Agudas Achim Brotherhood - Columbus, OH (308)
Boys' Night Out
Club Representative
Person completing form
Ronald
Feerer
Club President at time of Convention
Randy
Sokol
Club President Now
Neal
Shapiro
FJMC - other

Page 1

"Boys Night Out With The Stars" is the primary fundraiser for the Agudas Achim Brotherhood with the goal being to help with the needs of the synagogue, particularly Youth Educational and other Programming. We know that this type of program is not unique in that it is a fundraiser, however what is unique is the fact that this program has endured over 36 years, and has grown to an annual attendance of 320+ men from Agudas Achim, including many local politicians, the governor from the State of Ohio and other notables from the Columbus Jewish and general community. These individuals attend this program because they realize how their support helps Agudas Achim synagogue. The amount of funds we are able to generate is vital to the synagogue.
Each year for the past nine years an individual has been chosen to receive the Brotherhood's "Man of the Year" award. This individuals is selected for his extensive volunteer work at both the synagogue and in the Columbus Jewish and general community. In addition, individuals received a "Mitzvah Man" award for their ongoing service either at the synagogue or in the Columbus Jewish community at large. For example, one year a non-Jewish gentleman was chosen to receive this award for his dedication in maintaining the Jewish cemeteries in Columbus for over 25 years.
Boys' Night Out begins with a cocktail reception from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. . Once everyone is seated in the social hall for the program, the Brotherhood president welcomes all and calls upon the rabbi to give a short d'var Torah and to say the chamotzi. Then the "prime rib" main meal is served with the trio playing in the background.

The program begins about 8:00 p.m. with one or more "Mitzvah Man" awards, and then the chair of Boy's Night Out and the Brotherhood president present the "Man of the Year" award.

The Boys' Night Out chair introduces the performer at about 8:15 p.m., and he is on stage until 9:00 p.m.

Following the performer, numbers are drawn by the performer to determine the three raffle winners ($1,000, $1,500 and $2,000).

Tickets for the event are $100 each, corporate tables $1,200 each and raffle tickets $100 each.

The "Man of the Year" is selected based upon volunteer commitment to the Brotherhood, the synagogue and in the Jewish and general community.

The Mitzvah Men award is given to someone, or may be more than one person, who generally helps the synagogue in a single area, such as longtime usher or a regular cooking for events.

Page 2

Self Assessment
The Boys' Night Out program has sustained itself for over 36 years which has made a definite impact on Agudas Achim's Brotherhood in keeping current members and attracting new, younger members. The program has also made a name for itself in the Jewish and general community. All of the club members look forward to this event which has inspired them to look at creating and being involved with new programs. Agudas Achim has about 370 family units many of whom are older adults and New Americans. However, the synagogue is attracting many more mid-age to young adults, and many with children. New male members are offered a complimentary ticket to Boys' Night Out which gives them a flavor of Brotherhood. Many of these new members are getting involved with additional Brotherhood activities.
As previously stated, Boys' Night Out offers the opportunity for the men of Agudas Achim to be involved in various aspects of this program, giving them a feel for what is needed to create a program. They can use this knowledge to help plan future programs both in the synagogue and in the community. Learning from those who have been involved for many years is a step in creating future leaders for the Brotherhood.
DVD being sent to Martin Melnick.
Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes