Temple Beth Israel cordially invites you to a dazzling evening in celebration of our 47th Anniversary. Set against a beautiful waterfront backdrop, this special night will bring our community together to honor Barry and Suzan Friedman, beloved leaders whose devotion and generosity have helped shape the heart of TBI, ensuring our Temple flourishes as the sole Jewish presence on Longboat Key.This milestone gala is both a celebration of 47 years of Temple Beth Israel and a joyful tribute to a couple whose passion and vision strengthen our congregation today and for generations to come.
ABOUT THE HONOREES
We are proud to honor Barry and Suzan Friedman, whose connection to Temple Beth Israel is rooted in family, faith, and lasting commitment. Both attorneys by profession, Barry and Suzan spent many years in Bethesda, Maryland, and now divide their time between Chevy Chase and Longboat Key. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Jessica and Hilary, and delighted grandparents to their grandson, Albert, named in loving memory of Suzan’s father.
Their journey with TBI began in 1989 through Suzan’s parents, Albert and Nora Balk, whose devotion to Judaism and to this congregation helped shape a multi-generational legacy. When Barry and Suzan began wintering on Longboat Key, they joined TBI immediately—first attending services and programs, then becoming involved members of the community. TBI quickly became their spiritual home and second family.
Today, both Barry and Suzan serve on the Board, with Suzan as Vice President for Membership and Barry as Chair of the Endowment Committee. Their leadership, generosity, and dedication—including the naming of a classroom in memory of Suzan’s parents—reflect their deep commitment to ensuring that Temple Beth Israel continues to thrive as the sole Jewish presence on Longboat Key.
DETAILS & REGISTRATION
MENU
HORS D'OEUVRES RECEPTION & CASH BAR
1) Vegetable Spring Rolls w/ Sweet Chili Sauce
2) Grilled Marinated Cocktail Lamb Chops
3) Sesame Chicken Bites w/ Sweet Chili Sauce
4) Wild Mushroom Flatbread w/ Gruyere & Fine Herbs
PLATED DINNER SERVICE - 3 COURSE MEAL
1st Course:
Farmer's Salad (GF) - Romaine lettuce, blueberries, raspberries, candied pecans, heirloom tomatoes, English cucumber & crumbled goat cheese; white balsamic vinaigrette on the side
2nd Course (choice of): all served with mashed parship & potatoes, asparagus, and baby carrots.
- Filet Mignon
- Honey Orange Glazed Salmon - Farro Island Salmon, mandarin orange marmalade
- Vegan Vegetable Stack - Grilled portobello, red onion, red peppers, zucchini & squash with a tomato coulis
3rd Course Dessert:
Trio of Sorbet with dark chocolate dipped wafer cookies, brewed coffee, decaf, teas
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Rabbi Howard Simon
AUCTIONEER
Andrew Ford of Sarasota Estate Auction & Sarasota Trading Co.
UPLIFTING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Delores McKenzie is an actress, singer, producer, and voice-over artist born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. She began performing at the age of five, singing in church, and has since built a versatile career spanning musical theatre, jazz, gospel, opera, and pop. Delores has been seen on stages such as the Sarasota Opera House, The Asolo, The Players Centre, and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. She made her American Stage debut as Dionne in Hair and toured internationally as a production singer with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Delores continues to create and perform work that uplifts and celebrates the voices of women of color in the performing arts.
Michael Mendez has been a proud member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe since the age of 19, where he has grown into a versatile and dynamic performer. A gifted singer, dancer, actor, and producer, Michael has captivated audiences with his range and passion for storytelling. His WBTT credits include standout performances in Soul Crooners, In the Heights, The Wiz, and A Soldier’s Play, among others. With every role, he continues to showcase his dedication to the craft and his commitment to celebrating the richness of Black artistry on stage and beyond. Michael is now expanding his creative journey by pursuing new opportunities in film, bringing his talent and authenticity to the screen.
EVENT DJ & A/V TECHNICIAN
Carl Kurtyka will be the DJ for this year’s Gala. He is The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel’s amazing technical director. Carl has also had a career as a vocalist and a DJ since the 70s. Attendees caught his exceptional vocal rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at one of the Education Center’s concerts. Carl will play soft dinner music and then end the night with spinning an exciting mixture of your favorite hits from best-loved singers and groups. He will encourage guests to have fun dancing, singing along, or making special requests!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you have questions about sponsorship, please contact the Executive Administrator, Shana Johnson. (941) 383-3428 or email shana@longboatkeytemple.org
ALL SPONSORS WILL BE RECOGNIZED IN THE PROGRAM AND ACKNOWLEDGED DURING THE EVENT.
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CATEGORY
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GROSS AMOUNT
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# TICKETS INCLUDED
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BENEFITS INCLUDING GOLD PAGE
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BENEFIT TICKETS
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TAX DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT
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EVENT SPONSOR
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$25,000
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16
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$5,200
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$4,000
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$19,800
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HONORARY FOUNDER
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$10,000
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8
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$2,800
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$2,000
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$7,000
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CORPORATE SPONSOR
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$5,000
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4
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$2,200
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$1,000
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$2,800
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EVENT BENEFACTOR
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$5000
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4
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$2,200
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$1,000
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$2,800
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PATRON
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$4,000
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2
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$1,700
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$500
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$2,300
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FOOD SPONSOR
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$3,500
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0
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$1,200
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$0
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$2,300
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PROGRAM BOOK SPONSOR
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$3,500
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0
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$1,200
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$0
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$2,300
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ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
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$3,500
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0
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$1,200
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$0
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$2,300
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DECORATIONS SPONSOR
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$1,500
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0
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$0
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$0
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$1,500
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CENTERPIECES SPONSOR
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$1,500
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0
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$0
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$0
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$1,500
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INVITATIONS SPONSOR
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$$1,500
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0
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$0
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$0
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$1,500
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PROGRAM BOOK ADVERTISING
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PROGRAM BOOK AD SIZE
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AMOUNT
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PROGRAM BOOK SIZE
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AMOUNT
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GOLD FULL PAGE 6"X7.5"
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$1,500
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REAR COVER COLOR FULL 6"X7.5"
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$2,000
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FULL PAGE 6"X7.5"
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$1,000
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INSIDE FRONT COLOR FULL 6"X7.5"
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$1,500
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HALF PAGE 6"X3.75"
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$750
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INSIDE REAR COLOR FULL 6"X7.5"
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$1,500
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QUARTER PAGE 3"X3.5"
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$400
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GREETING 3"X1"
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$150
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L'CHAIM LISTING (NAME ONLY)
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$100
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FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVERTISING & DONATIONS, CONTACT THE OFFICE AT (941) 383-3428 OR EMAIL: OFFICE@LONGBOATKEYTEMPLE.ORG
Fri, March 13 2026 24 Adar 5786