Epstein Hillel School will celebrate its 30th Annual Gala on Nov. 8.

  1. The first gala, in 1988, drew 1,800 guests and raised $35,000 for the school.
  2. Many of the original committee members are still actively involved in both the gala and Epstein Hillel School.
  3. Iconic folk group Peter, Paul & Mary headlined the first gala, but only after committee chair Flori Schwartz tracked down Mary’s secretary, who introduced Flori to the group’s personal manager, who was then able to secure the trio.
  4. Of the many outstanding performances and shows, some especially memorable ones are Gregory Hines, Joel Grey, “The Lion King,” “The Producers,” “Wicked,” Josh Groban, Mandy Patinkin and Diana Ross, all of whom played to sold-out venues. 

    Related

     
  5. The concept of creating an annual gala came from the fourth head of school, Dr. Bennett Solomon z’’l. The first gala took place several months after his passing and was, according to original committee chair Flori Schwartz, “Everything he wanted it to be.”
  6. In 1990, featuring Gregory Hines, the gala sold out Boston Symphony Hall’s 2,600-seat auditorium.
  7. Arthur J. Epstein, for whom the school was recently renamed, was the honoree at the highest-grossing gala to date, featuring “Billy Elliot the Musical.”
  8. This year, Sheryl Lappin-Levy and Eric Levy ’80 will be honored with the Dr. Bennett I. Solomon Community Leadership Award. Eric represents the first alum to be honored at the gala. 

    Sheryl Lappin-Levy and Eric Levy
    Sheryl Lappin-Levy and Eric Levy (Courtesy photo)
  9. This year’s gala, featuring comedian, magician and Netflix original star Justin Willman, promises to be another outstanding evening.
  10. Contrary to popular belief, it is not ticket sales, but rather the tribute book, that brings in the greatest revenue to the school. It’s not too late to order your advertisement or well wishes for the 30th Annual Gala.

Tickets and tribute book orders can be purchased here.

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE