Greater Kansas City AZA #2 has announced its third annual Marty Awards, set to take place on May 10 at The J.
This community-wide event, which falls on the youth group chapter’s 101st birthday, is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of current Kansas City BBYO members while honoring the legacy of past leaders.
Awards will be given in various categories, including Aleph of the Year; BBG of the Year; Mensch of the Year; Underclassman of the Year; Senior of the Year; and Program of the Year. The night will be capped off with the crowning of Two’s “Belle of the Ball” sweetheart. This year’s candidates are Sabra Bergh, Ariel Palan, Naama Reem, Claire Rosen, Gabby Sosland and Emily Stang. The outgoing sweetheart is Julia Luetje.
“The ‘Marty’s’ is a special event where the Kansas City Jewish community comes together to applaud the incredible contributions of our peers,” said Bryan Persky, president of Two’s AZA. “It's going to be a night filled with laughter, tears and unforgettable moments.”
This year, Two’s is introducing a new honor: the Mnookin Memorial AZA #2 Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is named in memory of Kansas City chemist Nathan Mnookin, the founder of the AZA movement and the adviser of AZA's first two chapters, whose vision and dedication paved the way for countless young Jewish leaders.
The inaugural Hall of Famers are:
- “The Four Horsemen”: This group of founding members — Philip Klutznick, Bill Horowitz, Lewis Sutin and Abe Margolin — played pivotal roles in shaping the AZA’s core values and mission. Their leadership and commitment to the cause have inspired generations of Jewish youth.
- The 1925 AZA National Basketball and Debate Champions: AZA #2 won the first national AZA basketball and debate tournament on March 21-22, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. The debate team consisted of Klutznick and Horowitz. The basketball team — led by Phil Copland, Sidney Magazine and Julius Pelztman — not only showcased athletic talent but also exemplified the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie and competition that are hallmarks of the AZA fraternity.
In honor of the 1925 chapter, this year’s Marty Awards will be transformed into a roaring ‘20s party, with the theme, “Party Like it’s 1925.” Part of the proceeds will go toward Mitzvah Garden KC and the JFS Food Pantry, in support of Two's yearlong BBYO Stand Up campaign, “If I Had the World Give,” aimed at ending child hunger in the community.
This year’s Marty Awards chairmen are Judah Bassin and Jason Persky.
For tickets or to make donations, those interested can visit twosaza.com/martyawards or email .
Media inquiries can be directed to David Wexler at (913) 209-2511 or .
