The Silverman family decided to celebrate their daughter Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Pontiac in Copake, New York on a beautiful fall weekend. They told their guests to pack for a “dark denim chic” party. Since the camp colors are red and white, this was carried out throughout all their details. We thank them for sharing their weekend celebration with Mitzvah Market!
All party photography and videography was done by Salzman & Ashley.
Pictured L-R: Sisters Amanda, Tess, Mitzvah Mom Fran, Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian, Mitzvah Dad Scott and sister Rebecca.
Camp Pontiac was the perfect setting for their fun-filled action packed 2 days! It also happens to be where the Silverman girls spend their summers. Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian at the camp entrance
The Silvermans used red and white on their pocket pull-out invitation that was created by Susan Lehrhoff of Ethan Niles. They also had Amy Wohl design a Website providing additional information for their guests about the weekend
Custom Bat Mitzvah Website
As guests arrived, they were given their bunk assignments. On each bed there was a logo’d sheet and pillowcase along with a towel.J illian’s friends arrive by bus
Beds are made and ready for Jillian’s guests
Jillian’s bed was decorated by friends
A BBQ lunch was served and then color war broke out!
Guests were divided into two teams with red and white shirts. There were color war captains and generals
Everyone moved to the soccer fields where there were organized games and races including tug of war
Guests could be found playing football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and even Mah Jong!
After shower hour, guests were asked to meet at The Paramount Theatre where guests enjoyed a few different videos including Jillian’s montage. Jillian and her friends helped make this American Idol spoof. Carolyn Schwartz (Poems By Carolyn) wrote the script. Camp Pontiac surprised the Silvermans with another video that Jillian had done while she was in camp last summer
Pat James from Parties By James transformed The Playhouse into their beautiful party space complete with farm tables, matching plates, beautiful flowers and lanterns
The young guests enjoyed their cocktail hour food “take-out” style!
Guests also surprised Jillian by singing “Sweet Jillian,” a take-off of “Sweet Caroline” written by Carolyn Schwartz
The talented Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian made her entrance and then sang a song for her guests. For Jillian’s party, dress designer Marianna created her beautiful red gown. Guests soon learned that with one zip, the full gown came off to reveal white denim jeans underneath for her “dark denim chic” party
Jillian’s red and white cake kept with the theme and was created by Morrell Caterers
And That created the sweatshirts with a big number 13 on the front and “Off The Cuff” created customized red silicone bracelets
After the party ended, flip flops were given to the women along with blankets and everyone headed to the lake for a bonfire, s’mores and more desserts. Jillian models the flip flops and sweatshirts
They lit up Jillian’s name in flames. WOW!!!
Some Mom advice from Fran:
“The most important thing (I think) is pick people for your team that you connect with. Even if they are a little extra it is important to LIKE the people that you work with. Get recommendations from people. Ask a lot of questions. What is included in that price and what is not included. PLAN PLAN PLAN. I am a huge planner. I do NOT work well at the last minute. I planned Jillian’s Mitzvah 2 years in advance with the last 6 months working very hard on all of the details. Some people like to have their team do most of the work. I had my hand and nose in every single detail and made them come to life. It was a labor of love!!! Do not procrastinate. It only makes for a stressful situation in the end.”
Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah Project
Jillian’s Mitzvah Project is very special to her and her family. She explains, “The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center” (formerly Schneider Children’s Hospital) will hold a very special place in my heart forever. What was thought to be a common cold virus turned emergent very quickly for my baby sister Tess. She ended up with RSV and double pneumonia and was put in Pediatric ICU for 2 weeks. Tess was in a drug induced coma for almost 2 weeks and my family was very scared. The doctors and nurses took great care of her and saved her life. She is an inspiration to me because she really had to fight for life. Something that I will never forget.
Jillian with her sister Tess
To this date I helped to raise $14,000. Thanks to all who participated and donated money to help me to reach this unbelievable goal. I was very proud and will remember this special day forever.
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of vendors who helped to make Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Photographer/Videographer: Salzman & Ashley 516-349-9500
Caterer: Morrell Caterers 516-364-2000
Party Planner: Pat James, 212-377-1911
Venue: Camp Pontiac, Ricky Etra 516-626-7668
Invitation: Susan Lehrhoff, Ethan Niles, 516-626-3666
Dress Designer: Marianna, 516-496-4615
Website design: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Sweatshirt Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Silicone Bracelets: Michelle Collins 516-459-6495, 516-312-0727
Script writer/Cheer: Carolyn Schwartz, Poems by Carolyn,
