WFSB-TV’s Kara Sundlun will emcee the annual Mandell JCC fashion show, which this year will pay tribute to founder Ilene Schloss.

Submitted by Michelle Bonner, Mandell JCC

The Mandell JCC’s annual fashion show will have extra special meaning this year as the event pays tribute to its founder, Ilene Schloss, who passed away last August.

The JCC hosts its annual “Evening of Friends, Fun and Fashion” to benefit the Adult Special Needs Program on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT.

This year’s event, which will be emceed by WFSB-TV Channel 3 news anchor Kara Sundlun, will be in memory of Schloss, who worked in Member Services and who served as coordinator of the Adult Special Needs programming.

“Ilene was such an important part of the JCC for years,” said Beth Papermaster, chair of the fashion show. “In many ways Ilene was the face of the JCC, and her connection to the members was so genuine and heart felt. She just loved people, but she loved the participants in her programs more than anything. The Fashion Show served as a platform to share these amazing adults with the community and to let her very special friends shine.”

Many of the models are participants of the Adults Special Needs program. They will join staffers from the Jewish Association for Community Living (JCL) on the runway wearing fashions from BK & Co. and J.T. Ghamo Tuxedos.

“The models are really what make the event so extraordinary,” Papermaster added. “They have so much joy on this night, and the pride they have in showing off the clothes is nothing short of inspiring.”

“This event is such a special night for them,” said Elana MacGilpin, Director of Adult Special Needs programming at the JCC. “I liken it to them feeling like rock stars. They’re treated as such, going to the store and getting fitted for their outfit, and that evening they get to have their make-up and hair done. It really gives them a chance to shine.”

The money raised helps to provide social and recreational programming for adults with special needs and intellectual disabilities. Programs run twice a month on Sundays and include activities like bowling, apple-picking and bingo. In addition, the JCC offers different classes throughout the week including dance, exercise and pottery classes.

The Adult Special Needs program is open to anyone aged 18 and up in the greater Hartford community. MacGilpin said there are plans to start a new program specifically for young adults with special needs ages 18 to 30. The inclusive program will connect participants with members of the Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Division (YAD).

“This evening is already so memorable, but this year it will be even more so as we honor the person who made it possible,” said Papermaster. “We know Ilene wouldn’t like being the center of attention and would never want to take anything away from the models, but everyone recognizes that this honor is well deserved, and we are looking forward to sharing with the community the incredible legacy that Ilene left. She loved these ‘kids’ and they will want to make her so proud. Her presence will be missed, but her spirit will be with every model on that runway.”

About the Mandell Jewish Community Center

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America.

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