BBYO chapter Two’s AZA is set to host its Fourth Annual Marty Awards on Saturday, May 9, at The J.
The Oscar-style awards ceremony and fundraiser will celebrate the achievements of current BBYO members while honoring the chapter’s legacy.
In addition to celebrating current members, the event will pay tribute to the individuals who helped shape the chapter’s enduring legacy. The evening will feature the induction of the 2026 class into the Mnookin Memorial AZA #2 Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees include Arnold Caviar, former CEO of Liberty Fruit Company, as well as the late Jacob “Jack” Brown and Dr. Henry Brown.
The Marty Awards will also feature the crowning of the chapter’s new Sweetheart. This year’s candidates are Julia Goldstein, Ella Jerwick, Lila Singer, Ruby Sokol and Orli Zigler. The current Sweetheart is Ariel Palan.
“My favorite part of the Marty Awards is seeing our entire local Jewish community come together to celebrate the incredible people and achievements of both the past year and the generations before us,” said Jason Persky, a Marty Awards chairperson. “It’s a night that brings together Jewish families, alumni and community members to celebrate the amazing teen movement that BBYO is.”
This year’s program will celebrate the chapter’s 102nd birthday. The chapter officially received its charter on May 10, 1924.
The Marty Awards, the vision of former Two’s president Miller Brown, is open to the entire community.
“The fourth annual awards show promises to be a memorable evening for all who attend,” Two’s adviser David Wexler said. “Community members are encouraged to join in celebrating the achievements of today’s leaders while honoring the legacy of those who came before them.”
Last year, more than 160 tickets were sold for the event. The chapter hopes to exceed those totals this year.
“Having attended all three previous Marty’s Awards, I have seen it grow into something truly amazing,” Two’s AZA President Will Widman said. “This year’s show will feature a variety of activities designed to make the evening fun and entertaining for everyone.”
This year’s award nominees are:
- Underclassman of the Year: Zach Reif, Lila Singer, Rex Hebberd, Ethan Kucherovsky, Emma Furey
- Senior of the Year: Bea Colbert, Max Goldstein, Sam Nussbaum, Ariel Palan, Denah Thomas
- Mensch of the Year: Rhys Pabst, Betsy Erenberg, Shia Kolb, Maya Nathan, Elliot Spizman
- Mentor of the Year: Michael Furey, Ruby Sokol, Shaefer Spizman, Will Widman, Orli Zigler
- Program of the Year: Two’s on the Town (Negros Leagues Baseball Museum & original Arthur Bryant’s); Saadia/Nordau Haunted House; Nordaunian LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Aquarium; Two’s on the Lake; Nordaunian/Heart of America Chopped Night
- BBG of the Year: Cleo Federlein, Norah Pabst, Julia Goldstein, Chloe Hersch, Naama Reem
- Aleph of the Year: Sam Cohen, Naftali Tilove, Jason Persky, Micah Kramer, Judah Bassin
Doors open at 7 p.m., with drinks, gourmet desserts and preshow activities available before the program begins, including the annual red carpet pre-show event. The show will start at 8 p.m.
For more information about the Marty Awards, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation in support of Jewish teen leadership in Kansas City, those interested can visit twosaza.com/martyawards.