In 2010, we decided to start an annual fund-raising event featuring live and silent auctions. However, for the first annual event, we knew that we needed a top-notch, entertaining celebrity auctioneer. I called Larry and asked if he’d be our auctioneer. He said he’d think about it and then Jane called me with a list of questions. Then Larry called back with two conditions. He said he’d agree to be the auctioneer on the condition that both he and Jane would do it together as a team and that my mother would bake one of her famous desserts for him. We were thrilled!
It was a fabulous, successful start to a wonderful, annual tradition. Larry and Jane made it a relaxing yet exciting event and, most importantly, got the audience laughing and bidding generously. One of the funniest moments was in the middle of a bidding war, Larry said, “Where is Jane and who is that in the back who won’t give up?” Jane started laughing and piped up, “I took a few minutes off because I really want to win this package!”
One evening last year, we hosted them for dinner with a few friends, and Jane and Larry were instrumental in making it a lively, joyful evening. To paraphrase a quote printed about them last week, “It’s not only the community they touched with their work and philanthropic support; they were both genuine great, fun human beings.”
Last month, Larry called me about an idea that he had for a new building for our school. We were supposed to meet next week. Of course, I realize harbei shiluchim laMakom, that G-d sends many messengers to do his good deeds, but Larry and Jane were extraordinarily bright and gifted messengers.
They were gracious and personable. They were humble and modest. They were kind and generous. We all mourn and will dearly miss our spectacular friends and benefactors.