The Tasting Experience 2026 was a resounding success, with every dollar raised supporting JF&CS’ Intellectual & Developmental Disability (I/DD) Services. On April 30, 650 guests gathered at The Stave Room to enjoy global offerings from some of Atlanta’s top restaurants, caterers, and distributors. The evening featured a record-breaking silent auction, where guests bid on luxury vacations, exclusive experiences, memorabilia, and unique gifts. A highlight of the night was a special performance by The Tasting Experience Choir, comprised of our I/DD clients and their dedicated Direct Support Professionals, who brought energy and heart to an unforgettable evening.
The Power of Community
The funds raised through The Tasting Experience are “essential to our annual budget,” said Jen Keir, Director of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services. “Because of (this event), we are able to continue providing high-quality support and services throughout the year.”
The feeling of community was in the air, and the event was as inclusive as our I/DD Services. “Our clients are truly honored to be recognized, and our choir was thrilled to have their talent showcased in such a vibrant setting,” continued Jen. “With so many food and drink vendors generously donating their time, talent, and craft, this year’s Tasting Experience became a powerful example of what community partnership can achieve. The synergy between our volunteers, committee leaders, and vendors elevated this event beyond expectations.”
“We set a high bar this year,” concurred Jay Cranman, CEO. “More importantly, we created an event that advanced our mission. It was an exceptional evening.”
From the financial side, “we sold a record number of sponsorships and exceeded our revenue goal,” said Amanda La Kier, Chief Advancement Officer.
Champion of Inclusion: Terri Bonoff
Beginning in 2024, The Tasting Experience honors a Champion of Inclusion at the event. The honoree is recognized for his or her advocacy on behalf of the I/DD Community, and this year, the spotlight was on our own Terri Bonoff, CEO Emeritus of JF&CS.
Two weeks prior to The Tasting Experience, Terri was honored at an intimate VIP event surrounded by colleagues, community members and her beloved family, who traveled from all over the U.S. to be with her. Her friend and fellow advocate Michele Hirsch presented the award.
In her warm, heartfelt remarks, Terri recounted a recent trip to Israel during the Iran conflict, during which she and her travel mates had to flee Israel through Egypt to return home safely. She experienced a sense of spiritual protection during that time that gave her a “different frame” with which to look at the rest of her life.
“I (now) look at the six years that I was the CEO of JF&CS in a different way,” began Terri. “We serve people of all faiths, but we do so through our Jewish values and through a Jewish lens; we are guided by our Jewish values.”
“Part of our Jewish values are supporting the parents in this room and in our community who want nothing more than for their adult children to live independently,” continued Terri. “But our work is not done. There’s much more to go, because that’s the thing when you’re serving a higher purpose: it’s endless. You can’t really ever fulfill the work, but you can do your best and then pass it along. What a joy that I get to pass the baton to Jay Cranman,” she smiled.
In conclusion, Terri poignantly remarked, “I know that we link arm-in-arm, and that you’ll continue this work forever, as well I, and we’ll just do it in whatever form it shows up.”
Save the date for the next Tasting Experience on May 6, 2027.
Thank you to Terri, our committee members, sponsors, and every person who attended this year’s Tasting Experience for linking with us, arm-in-arm, as we continue to champion inclusion for adults with I/DD. To join us in this work, make a donation here!