Over 250 people dined, mingled, and bid among the uplifting island décor at the Annual Campus Gala on Nov. 14. The event, which raises funds to support Jewish Family Service, The Lippman School, and the Shaw JCC, honored Thom and Lisa Mandel for their ongoing support of the campus and community.

“We are quite humbled to be standing in the shadow of some wonderful, and dedicated people who have been honored on this stage previously,” said Thom Mandel at the gala. “People like Pam & Joe Kanfer, Gary Rosen, Marty and Sue Spector, Marc and Sharon Merklin.  There are others, of course.  People who have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard to make Akron a great place to be Jewish—and a great place to raise a family.  Many of you on in the room may not have been on this stage, but you also, have done great things.  I know because I’ve worked beside so many of you.”

“Tonight, we do a Mitzvah for our Schultz Campus for Jewish Life, and the great organizations that live here,” Mandel said. “Lisa and I plan to be generous.  I hope that you can help by being generous as well.”

Lisa Mandel followed her husband’s remarks, with “I only have one thing to say... I brought him to Akron!”

From the décor to the live auction items, the gala reflected the Mandels’ interests and tastes. Event chairs David Koch, Shelley Koch, Debra Shifrin and Steve Neuman worked diligently to make the evening so successful.

The event’s success was possible by generous sponsorships, tributes and donations to the auction.Thanks also goes to the Gala Committee, including: Jen Alder, Cathy Baer, Mark Baer, Lyn Bober, Trish Crane, David Cutler, Robyn Cutler, Judge David Fish, Mary Ann Freedman, Nick George, Ruthie George, Patrice Leeds Richman, Jeannine Marks, Steve Marks, Sharon Merklin, Marc Merklin, Michael Segal, Teri Segal, Judi Shapiro, Stacey Simonton, Beth Sugerman, Irv Sugerman, John York, Stephanie York and Richard Zelin.