Top row: Justin Velasco, Adam Lefkowitz, Matthew Walt, Joe Nizhnikov and Danny Rubin; Bottom row: Molly Nizhnikov, Kirby Lefkowitz, Cassie Richards.
The Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater threw the craziest Purim party in town on the evening of Saturday, March 7. Nearly 200 revelers joined in the circus-themed fun and dressed up to walk the red carpet at the Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.
Beth Gerstein and Ashley Zittrain, Purimpalooza co-chairs, successfully transformed the Campus into a swanky party venue, and ensured that attendees felt like they were getting a full circus experience.
“We decided that this had to be a costume party—it’s Purim! We wanted everyone to really get into the spirit of the festival,” Zittrain says, referring to YAD’s first-ever costume party.
Gerstein agrees, “The theme allowed us to create a really unique experience, including stilt walkers and circus performers. It was unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”
Partygoers enjoyed one-of-a-kind savory hamantashen, delectable desserts and a signature cotton candy cocktail. They danced the night away to the beats of a live band, Vinyl Headlights and interacted with circus performers, including an LED hula hoop dancer, from Magical Solutions, Inc. and Cirque Mime Troupe.
Purimpalooza, YAD’s largest annual event, was sponsored by Tidewater Home Funding. To get involved in planning the next signature YAD event, contact Amy Weinstein, YAD director, at aweinstein@ujft.org.
by Amy Weinstein