Sports Spectacular 2008

Each fall, the Columbus Jewish community celebrates the achievements of its adult athletes in a split-format event that is partly a day of sports and camaraderie and partly an evening fundraising reception. Known as Sports Spectacular, the event is definitely all fun - and this year, the entertaining activities have gotten even bigger.

This year's Sports Spectacular begins on Sunday, Aug. 24, with a day of basketball and racquetball at the JCC, followed on Monday, Aug. 25, with a day of golf and tennis at the New Albany Country Club. Completing the event will be an awards celebration and reception at the JCC on Tuesday, Sept. 9. (To register, click here.)

"We really wanted to spice up Sports Spectacular this year with a lot more athletic competition, activities and prizes," said Steve Yaffe, who is serving as this year's co-chair with David Goldstein. "For instance, we have expanded the event to include a day of basketball and racquetball at the JCC, and we're offering a $1 million hole-in-one prize on the day of golf and tennis at the New Albany Country Club."

Yaffe said the golf event at the country club also will include the first-ever Ball Drop. "Jeff Block will pilot his helicopter to the New Albany Country Club, where he will be dropping numbered balls from the helicopter onto the 18th hole. The ball that lands closest to the pin wins $2,000," he said. Numbered balls may be purchased at the JCC's front desk before the event and also the day of the event, he added.

Contestants (who need not be present to win) may purchase a numbered ball for $20. The more balls purchased, the greater the chances to win. Proceeds will benefit the JCC's essential programs and services, he said.

We're also offering something new called a 'Super Ticket,' which encompasses mulligans and prizes including a three-day, two night vacation," said Yaffe.

Yaffe said the Sports Spectacular planning committee has worked hard this year to make this year's event even more exciting. "We really worked hard to make this event more interactive and a lot different than we had in the past, so we're hoping that everyone will come out and enjoy all that we have to offer," he said.

Serving on this year's Sports Spectacular planning committee are Bob Darwin, Aaron Gilbert, Julie Glassman, Carol Glassman, Pam Gurwin, Murray Guttman, Shelly Igdaloff, Barry Katz, Rick Meizlish, Jon Meyer, Wes Rosenthal, Joe Sniderman, Sandy Solomon, AJ Solomon, Matt Topolosky, David Valinsky, Eric Wasserstrom, Stever Weiler and Jon Young.

This year's Sports Spectacular Awards Celebration and Reception on Sept. 9 will be an evening to recognize local athletes' sporting and professional achievements. Heidi Levey, who served as president of the JCC's Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2005, will be honored with the Charles Solomon Award, given in recognition of an individual who personifies the commitment to JCC sports and fitness programs through participation or facilitation as a coach, leader, or sponsor, or has been instrumental in some other way to shape the athletic lives of youth in Central Ohio. Levey served as a volunteer for the Maccabi Games and also assisted with the renovation of the JCC's fitness center.

"I was so surprised and deeply honored to receive the award," said Levey. "I have so much respect for previous award winners and really appreciate what they’ve done in the community. I am honored to be included among them.

"The JCC is a wonderful place to grow as an individual and I've enjoyed all of my volunteer work there," she said. "I find it a place where I can really be a part of critical decision making and have learned a great deal from my experiences. I hope to continue my volunteer work at the JCC for a long time to come."

Also on Sept. 9, Jerry Schiff and Eric Golden will be inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. "I am honored to be inducted into the JCC Sports Hall of Fame. It's most every athlete's secret desire to be considered for such an award. I'm humbled to be included in this group of accomplished athletes, many of whom I remember, played with and think of with the highest regard," said Schiff, who played on the varsity tennis team for The Ohio State University from 1950-1952.

Golden also expressed his feelings of honor to be inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

I am honored to be included in a group of so many outstanding athletes and people who have contributed in various ways to the Jewish community," he said. "I am especially honored to join my father [Ron] in this Hall of Fame because of his tremendous influence not only on my athletic career, but on all I have been able to accomplish in my life." Golden, who played baseball for the University of Central Florida, graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1994 from Central Florida and received his juris doctorate degree with high honors from Florida State University in 1998 - the same year he was admitted to the bar. Currently, he is a member of Baker & Hostetler LLP's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors' Rights Group and its Commercial Litigation Group. This past winter, he also served as a coach at the Ron Golden Baseball School's holiday camp in Orlando.

The evening's keynote speaker will be Doug Gottlieb, co-host of ESPN Radio's GameNight and host of The Pulse with Doug Gottlieb. He also serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and ESPN2, additionally appearing ESPNEWS and writing for espn.com. He has also done and will continue to provide courtside analysis on select ESPN and ESPN2 college basketball games.

Prior to embarking on a sports radio career, Gottlieb played point guard for Eddie Sutton and the Oklahoma State Cowboys, leading the nation in assists in 1999 and finishing second in 2000. He graduated in 2000 with a degree in marketing holding every assist record at Oklahoma State and in the Big 12 conference. After graduating, Gottlieb played professionally internationally, in France, Russia and Israel, as well as domestically in the USBL, CBA, ABA and the Los Angeles Lakers summer team in 2001. Gottlieb, a native of Orange County, Calif., has won a NEBL championship, as well as a Russian Basketball Federation Championship.

To make a reservation, purchase a numbered golf ball, or for more information on sponsorship packages for the 2008 Sports Spectacular, email Sheila Cline or call (614) 559-6225.

Save the Date for the JCC's 2009 Gala -
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009!
Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 16th annual Gala, which will be held on Feb. 7, 2009, to raise funds for the JCC's numerous programs.

The theme for the 2008 event (which raised over $100,000) was “Diamonds, Denim and Disco,” and more than 500 guests broke out their disco-era duds to arrive at the event ready to boogie-down. “Everyone had such a great time dancing the night away,” said Denise Glimcher, who co-chaired the event with Carrie Madison. “Even better, they had fun while raising money for a great cause – the JCC,” added Madison. Pictured here, left to right, are: JCC Special Events coordinator Sheila Cline, Madison, Glimcher, and JCC Executive Director Carol Folkerth. (Photo by Lorne Spolter)

For more information on the 2009 Gala, email Sheila Cline or call (614) 559-6225.