We are thrilled to be hosting our second annual gala, an opportunity for the Jewish Family Services community to come together, celebrate, and raise funds for our critical, life-saving programs and support: the Matzah Ball!

The second edition is going to look a little different than last year…

This ticketed event will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at a new location: The Admiral Room! The night will feature a plated dinner, a vibrant program during dinner featuring special performances, an awards ceremony, open bar, dancing, and more!

Each year, this event will have a theme, prompting guests to dress up to match it. This year’s theme is… kaleidoscope!

Community, or kehilla, is central to Judaism. JFS’ community is made up of many beautiful individual stories, much in the same way that a kaleidoscopic image is made up of thousands of individual reflections. This year’s Matzah Ball will honor the kaleidoscope we make when we come together to create a beautiful pattern as one!

Registration link coming soon!

Become a Sponsor

By sponsoring The Matzah Ball, you will be supporting the critical, life-saving programs at JFS.  We are committed to being person-centered and culturally responsive in our approach to care. We provide trauma-informed therapy to refugee youth, resettlement services like finding housing, furniture, and help navigating school systems and job searches, support and resources for holocaust survivors, and much more.

Reach out to Senior Development Manager Andrea Walh at awalh@jfswny.org for sponsorship information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this event support?
Funds raised from this event will support the work of Jewish Family Services (JFS). Since 1862, JFS of Western New York has been providing all members of our community with critical health and human services, regardless of religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender identification, ability, or age. We stay connected to our Jewish roots by approaching clients from a place of cultural understanding and respect. We provide services like trauma systems therapy, refugee resettlement, and counseling for Jewish youth.

What does it cost?
General admission tickets are $125. Tables of 10 are available for $1,250.

If you’re interested in being a table host, please reach out to Andrea Walh at awalh@jfswny.org.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets will be available for purchase soon! Check back on this page for a link to buy online.

What do I wear?
Think fun cocktail party – no need for black tie (unless you want to – feel free to go all out!). Each year this event will be themed, and you are encouraged to dress for it. This year’s theme is kaleidoscope, so we encourage you to wear bright colors, bold patterns, and iridescent accessories!

What can I expect?
The night will feature a plated dinner, open bar, a vibrant program during dinner featuring special performances, an awards ceremony, dancing, and more!

Can I volunteer at the event?
Yes! Please contact Development Coordinator Sydney Schmidt at sschmidt@jfswny.org or 716-290-5759 to express your interest.

Thank you to our event committee!