Karen Katz honored in N.Y.
According to Gary Weinstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, Women’s Wear Daily reported last week:
“Although the mood in retail and fashion is dour, a sense of hope and a willingness to help prevailed at [the April 1] UJA-Federation of New York fashion division luncheon at The Plaza.
“The event, which drew 500 guests and raised more than $700,000, honored Karen Katz, president and chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Stores, and Allen Sirkin, president and chief operating officer of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.
“‘I think people need help now more than ever,’ Katz said. ‘I am delighted to help, and that we were able to raise that kind of money in this kind of economy. I am very fortunate to work with a company that believes in community support.’
“Pamela Fiori, editor in chief of Town & Country, introduced Katz by saying that she rose to the top of the luxury chain ‘like cream — naturally. Not because she clawed her way through the ranks. Good things happen to Karen organically.’
“Donald Trump introduced Sirkin, a friend whom he likes to kid. ‘When I got here, it didn’t seem like anybody cared to ask about Allen,’ Trump said. ‘All they wanted to know about was why I fired Dennis Rodman’ from his ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ show on NBC. Turning serious, he called Sirkin ‘a great marketer, but he’s a better friend.’ The two have collaborated on Trump merchandise that sells at Macy’s.
“‘This is a very amazing honor,’ Sirkin said. ‘But, really, I represent a platform of friends and business associates that I can call upon. In these difficult times, a spokesperson with a platform can make a difference.’
“He said the luncheon would help the UJA-supported Kaplan House in Manhattan, a home for troubled teenagers. ‘We recognized just how special the people working there are.’ Sirkin cited the luncheon’s ‘ying-yang’ character by highlighting the needy in the world and the ability to help those in need.
‘Somewhere in the middle is the UJA. It’s a perfect trifecta.’
“The luncheon will help support the UJA’s network of 100-plus health and human service agencies in New York. UJA-Federation’s mission is to care for those in need, rescue those in harm’s way, and renew and strengthen Jewish people around the world.
“Among those attending were Hal Rubenstein, In Style’s fashion director, who opened the event with a special tribute, and Roger Farah, John Pomerantz, Gilbert Harrison, Brendan Hoffman, Mallory Andrews, Abbey Doneger, Burt Tansky, Ann Stordahl, Vincent Ottomanelli and Paul Charron.”
Added Gary, “On behalf of the Board of the Federation, I would like to congratulate Karen for this huge honor. For Neiman Marcus and its president and CEO this demonstrates commitment to their Jewish Heritage and Excellence in their industry. The fact that the NYC Federation through this National Retail and Fashion Dinner recognizes these attributes in Karen makes our Jewish Community proud. Karen and Alan Katz have been generous supporters of our general and Jewish communities in Dallas for years; this honor is truly deserved.”
Don’t ‘PASS’ this up!
Oak Hill Academy and Congregation Anshai Torah will present a free program, PASS (Parents Acquiring Special Skills), on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:15 a.m. The program’s objective is to provide practical strategies for parenting children challenged by learning differences and developmental delays.
Congregation Anshai Torah will host this event. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Early Childhood Office at 972-473-7718 to reserve your seat.
Dubin’s cameras still rolling
Most times when I’m watching a TV movie I search the film credits to see if there’s a familiar name. The one I always hunt for is that of Mitch Dubin, one of the busiest cinematographers in Hollywood. Sure enough, Sunday night, after I watched “How to Make an American Quilt,” which starred Winona Ryder in the lead role and featured such luminaries as Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn Kate Capshaw, Jean Simmons and Maya Angelou, among others, there was Mitch Dubin’s name as camera operator. The film garnered four nominations and is worth seeing. Mitch, a native Dallasite, is the son of the late Dr. Joe Dubin and the late Charlotte Dubin Binder. They were so proud of Mitch, and justly so. He is also the stepson of Bill Binder of Dallas.
Flower Mound Coffeehouse presents Susan Colin in rare concert appearance
Susan Colin, a local cantorial soloist and award-winning composer, will perform at the Flower Mound Coffeehouse, Saturday evening, April 18. “I’m very excited to be asked back to the Flower Mound Coffeehouse. It’s a charming, intimate venue and the audience is warm and open to new music,” she said.
Colin is a cantorial soloist with two Jewish congregations in the Dallas area. Her crystal-clear voice and elegant delivery create a warm and uplifting listening experience. Her voice has been likened to those of Judy Collins and Joan Baez and critically acclaimed as “angelic, with a clarity that is breathtaking and rare.”
This concert is a rare opportunity for her to break out and embrace her mainstream roots. “I’ve been a professional singer since I was 17, recording commercial jingles, rock operas, country songs, you name it, and I’ve been a classical choral singer since I was 9. In the past 10 years I’ve focused on spiritual and worship music, but I love it all.”
Karen Haesemeyer will accompany Susan Colin on piano. The show will be held at the Flower Mound Coffeehouse at 1887 Timber Creek Drive in Flower Mound, which is also the address of Congregation Kol Ami. Plenty of free parking is available. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Doors open at 7:30; coffee and desserts are available for nominal prices. The show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.flowermoundcoffeehouse.com. To hear Colin’s music, visit www.cdbaby.com/susancolin3.