JCRS holds Roots of Broadway to honor Scharff and Tolmas families
By ALAN SMASON
In recent years the Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS), the oldest Jewish children’s charity in the nation, has presented two galas with the “Jewish Roots” themes revolving about jazz and comedy. While both have certainly enjoyed solid Jewish involvement, there is probably no greater Jewish influence in the arts than that found along the Great White Way and in the Great American Songbook that sprang from many of the hits of Broadway.
Scharff family members from left Erik, Dan, Florence, David, Susan and Lee. (Photo courtesy JCRS)
This Saturday evening, JCRS presents the third such gala event and this one will surely be a hit. It’s titled “Jewish Roots of Broadway: From Gershwin to Godspell” and the entire crowd will be singing the praises of two families closely connected with the leadership of JCRS, to wit, the Scharff and Tolmas families.
The event will be held tomorrow night in the Boeing Freedom Pavilion of the National World War II Museum, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free off-street parking will be found in the lot behind the museum on Magaine Street.
The event will feature a buffet dinner as well as entertainment directed by Harry Mayronne that will fully expand on the theme. Each table will reflect the theme differently.
Lee Scharff served as president of JCRS from 1997 to 1999, and Dr. Jeanie Tolmas occupied that post from 2003 to 2005. In addition, Jeanie, her brother Alan and his wife Gina are current members of the JCRS Board of Governors. The Tolmases have two young girls they are busy raising in Dallas.
Patriarch Hyman and wife Connie Tolmas are also to be recognized for their longtime support of JCRS.
In addition to the Tolmas family, members of the Scharff family being honored are Dan and Florence Scharff, their son Lee and his wife Susan. The Scharffs also have two sons, Erik and David, both of whom have been active as Jewish Boy Scouts.
Members of the Tolmas family with patriarch and matriarch Dr Hyman and Connie Tolmas at center. Alan snd wife Gina are seen with their three girls. (Photo courtesy JCRS)
“We are proud to recognize these wonderful individuals who make up such fine families,” explained JCRS President Leon Rittenberg III. “The members of these families have served JCRS in various capacities and are known throughout Greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Dallas for their volunteerism and generosity, as well as for their professionalism and community service.”
Despite their longtime affiliations with Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, Temple Sinai, Congregation Anshe Sfard and Congregation Gates of Prayer, both families were uprooted due to Hurricane Katrina. In the case of the Scharffs, Dan and Florence relocated to Baton Rouge and are now members of Temple B’nai Israel. Dr. Hyman and Connie Tolmas moved to Dallas with their daughter Jeannie, where they since joined Alan and Gina as members of Congregation Tiferet Israel.
Only a handful of tickets remain for this fundraiser for JCRS. For more information click on their website here.
