Hundreds of people from Long Island and the tristate area descended on the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center last week for its 24th annual “Eat. Bid. Laugh!” auction and epicurean event, which featured samples from local restaurants and a performance by comedian John Mulaney.
The JCC raised more than $1.4 million through the event last Thursday, which will support its programming, scholarship fund and incubator fund for new social service programs.
The annual gala included food tastings and bidding for everything from concert tickets to a backstage tour of “Hamilton.” Mulaney, a former writer for “Saturday Night Live” who has since delved into stand-up comedy specials and Broadway, was the evening’s guest comedian for the “laugh” portion of the evening.
Among the 27 restaurants that offered samples this year were One North, a Jericho eatery that serves Mediterranean fare, and Garden City’s Toccolo Cantina. Cipollini of Manhasset served mushroom risotto.
Winners of the bidding portion will get to attend events including the MTA Video Music Awards in Los Angeles and an Ariana Grande show.
“Our Auction Committee works tirelessly to put together this beautiful event, and the generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me,” said Tracy Levy, the event’s chair. “The money raised tonight helps the JCC and its social service programs to take tremendous steps forward. More than 600 attendees have come together tonight with a common goal in mind, to provide hope and joy to program participants.”
The JCC has an ongoing capital campaign that is intended to upgrade its facilities and introduce new programs. This weekend it will officially open its new food bank, which will support communities on the North Shore and provide internship opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities in the JCC’s vocational training program.
Auction chairs like Brooke and Lloyd Rosenman as well as committee members and volunteers spend all year planning “Eat. Bid. Laugh!”
“Working on such an impactful night, from concept to reality, is just as rewarding for us as Auction Co-Chairs, as it is for attendees and the social service program participants who benefit from the funds raised,” the Rosenmans said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the boundless generosity of our community.”
