|
|
October 24, 2003/Tishri 28 5764, Vol. 56, No. 5
VOSJCC holds first gift show
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
Jan Elazar Refoug of Jerusalem, owner of Ora Jerusalem, will bring his wares to the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center's Gift Show on Nov. 2.
Photo courtesy of Jan Elazar Refoug
|
The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center will hold its first-ever Gift Show this November - just in time for community members to get a head start on their Hanukkah shopping.
The show will feature more than 90 Israeli and local vendors, displaying wares from jewelry to Judaica to hand crafts, to an estimated 3,000-5,000 Valley shoppers.
"The gift show is something that I thought would be outstanding because we have so many talented people in the Valley," says Amy Petrovsky, the show's coordinator and owner of Sensational Events, which will also have a booth at the show. "If you don't get the word out, you can't sell your product."
In addition to helping Valley businesses get the word out, Petrovsky and the VOSJCC hope to help Israeli businesses get ahead in a flailing Middle East economy.
"We have a business just for tourists," says Deganit Refoug, wife of Jan Elazar Refoug who owns Ora Jerusalem, an Israel-based business selling Judaica and handmade crafts. "For three years we have had so many bombs ... when there is no business, we have to do something. We can't sit and wait."
The Refougs have made many trips to the United States over the years in an attempt to keep their business alive.
"We do it because we have to," says Deganit. "We have to ship things, buy a plane ticket, get a hotel. It costs a lot of money, but we don't have any choice."
During the weekend of the show, many Israeli vendors have been invited to stay with community members.
"We have to tell the community thank you very much that they care about us and that they want to help us," says Deganit. "We're thanking you not just for selling and buying, but also to know that someone is your brother, your sister, your friend."
The show is one of four major events at the VOSJCC during the year. Upcoming events are the second Tradeshow on Feb. 22; Fore the Kids Golf Tournament on April 21; and the second Perfect Parties Expo on Sept. 12. The center has already scheduled a second Gift Show for Nov. 7, 2004.
"The community is building businesses and databases of people through our events," says Petrovsky. "I think that's what the JCC is all about. People are looking to us as a place they can come and be together. We are a center for the community, and not just the Jewish community."
Proceeds from the VOSJCC Gift Show will benefit the center's youth scholarship fund. Scholarships are given to children attending winter, summer or spring camps. The JCC's first Tradeshow last January raised enough money for 30 youth scholarships.
"This is a huge opportunity for the JCC to give something special to the community," says Petrovsky. "The JCC benefits ... but it also provides an added advantage by being able to host such an event."
All participants attending the Gift Show must bring a photo ID for security purposes. Admission to the show is free.
Details
- What: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Gift Show
- When: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2
- Where: Promenade and social hall of the VOSJCC at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
- Call: 480-483-7121
|
