Trade in Snow Shoes for Dancing Shoes for Gala 2008

Break out your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie the night away at Gala 2008 on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. Denise Glimcher and Carrie Madison invite you to this year's event, "Diamonds, Denim and Disco."

If you haven't already purchased tickets, be sure to contact Sheila Cline at the JCC as soon as possible, noted Glimcher. "We're inviting guests to get their groove on and boogie down for a good cause," she said. "Dollars raised during Gala stay right at the JCC and make a difference in the lives of 120,000 people every year."

Said Madison, "By supporting and attending Gala 2008, your generosity supports critical JCC programming, such as preschool education, senior and youth activities, health maintenance programs and cultural events for all of Central Ohio. So throw on your Saturday Night Fever disco gear and come boogie the night away!"

Those attending previous Galas may remember the event taking place later in the season, said JCC Executive Director Carol Folkerth. "The JCC listened to suggestions, and in order to accommodate those who observe Shabbat, we moved the event to February in order to start the program after Shabbat," she said.

Dress is dressy casual, and jeans are welcome – although it would not be surprising to see some Saturday Night Fever disco gear on the dance floor, since the theme reflects a Studio 54 atmosphere with music provided by the Cleveland-based band, Disco Inferno.

Guests will enjoy an array of Kosher hors d'oeuvres, such as mini burgers, barbeque brisket, various chips and dips, delicious desserts, and other Boogie Wonderland treats – including a signature cocktail at the bar.

The JCC's Crystal Ballroom Casino will play by Las Vegas rules, and prizes are $2,000 in cash, a $500 Polaris Mall Gift Card, and a 32" Flat Screen HDTV. A silent auction also will be held, and items for the auction now are being accepted.

Sponsors of Gala 2008 include: Gold Level Sponsors, Limited Brands Foundation and National City Bank; Silver Level Sponsors, AEP, Glimcher Realty Trust, The Lewin Family, Schottenstein's Value City, Wolfe Associates, Inc.; and Bronze Level Sponsors, Corna/Kokosing Construction Co., Garlikov Companies, Hamilton Parker, David and Cari Kass, M/I Homes Foundation, OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., RS Garek & Associates/Andy and Carrie Madison, The Basement Doctor/J & D Basement Systems, The Robert Weiler Company, Pamela and Jonathan Young.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Sheila Cline at (614) 559-6225 or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.