FASHION FUNDRAISERS — Last month Natalie M. held its annual benefit fashion shows at the Overland Park Convention Center. This year three shows raised approximately $70,000 for the 35 organizations that participated, including Kehilath Israel Synagogue of which Natalie M’s Natalie Nearenberg and Myra Nearenberg are members. The shows have been sponsored by Natalie M. for the past seven years. An estimated 5,100 people attended the show that featured 700 student volunteers, modeling prom, party and special occasion dresses. The Natalie M. store, which has been in business since 1973, specializes in women’s fashions including bridal, prom, special occasions, pageant wear, foundation, sportswear and accessories in all sizes.
LANDMARK BLOGS — The National Council of Jewish Women commemorated the 39th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision last month by launching a blog contest to hear first-hand from its advocates why Roe is important to them. Ellen Portnoy, an active member of Greater Kansas City Section who currently serves as co-president along with Meg Adler and Berenice Haberman (and a contributing writer to The Chronicle), submitted an entry. She did not win, but her entry was chosen as a finalist and published in NCJW’s online journal. Here’s a portion of her entry:
“To my daughter,
My birthday is January 23, 1955. The day before I turned 18 the world changed. Roe v. Wade was adopted. For the first time, women in the United States could obtain legal abortions. I have tried to instill in you the importance of women’s rights. I told you what the world was like then and how it has changed.
… Living in Kansas, we have seen the ugly side of the abortion wars, where murder has been committed in the name of saving children. But where are the pro-life advocates when children are born and have no support? … [I believe] that every woman has the right to choose and to have a safe, clean medical procedure.”
TOMMY — If you plan to catch “Tommy” being produced by the Jewish Community Center at the White Theatre, you’ll catch a glimpse or two of Jewish actress Lyndsey Agron. She said she is thrilled to be returning to The White Theatre after appearing in “Well, Hello Gorgeous...The Music of Barbra Streisand.” Agron holds a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in vocal performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. She has also appeared at The New Theatre, Starlight Theatre, Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre, Great Plains Theatre, Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, Bearcreek Farms Resort, Nebraska Theatre Caravan, Wichita Children’s Theatre and Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. Ticket information for “Tommy,” which will be produced Feb. 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24 and 26, is available at www.jcckc.org or by calling the box office at 913-327-8054.
BARN PLAYERS — K.I. member and veteran actress Irene Blend will be appearing in the musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at the Barn Players Theatre, 6219 Martway in Mission. The show will run from Feb. 24 to March 11. For more information and reservations, call 913-432-9100.