JCRS plans a gem of a Jewish Roots gala

Regional event supports need-based summer camp and university scholarships

File photo from the March 2024 gala

This year, the Jewish Children’s Regional Service Jewish Roots Gala will focus on “Our Precious Gems.”

The May 17 event in New Orleans will feature a jewelry showcase from world-renowned fine art, antiques, and jewelry dealer M.S. Rau, and a runway-style fashion show by Dillard’s. There will also be the usual cocktail reception and seated dinner.

The evening’s honorees will be Amy Gainsburgh Haspel and Jacqueline Stern, for decades of service to the agency, and for co-chairing the educational scholarship committee.

As JCRS serves a seven-state region of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, the annual event draws from around the region. The agency’s annual meeting is also held the morning after the gala.

Since the series of Jewish Roots galas began, they have raised over $2 million for the agency’s programs and services.

The best-known programs are need-based scholarships for Jewish sleepaway summer camps, and for Jewish college students. There is also support for special needs children, outreach to Jewish adults who are isolated or in institutions, and a Chanukah gift program for families facing tough times.

The agency also coordinates the PJ Library program in areas of the region that do not have another agency overseeing the program. PJ Library provides free Judaic books to children every month.

The 6:30 p.m. gala will be at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Tickets and sponsorship levels are available here. Tickets start at $300, $150 for ages 35 and under.