GIVE

Arizona Jewish Historical Society Presents

Heritage Award

Gala 2026

Honoring Mel Kessler & Gail Fisher

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, November 8, 2026, 5:30 pm

Cocktail Attire

VENUE

Scottsdale, Arizona

Venue information provided upon RSVP

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Table Sponsorships

Meet the Honorees

Mel Kessler & Gail Fisher

Tempe residents Mel Kessler and Gail Fisher have dedicated their lives to family, community, and service. Their partnership began through volunteer work with the Tempe Library Advisory Board and grew into decades of civic leadership, earning them Tempe’s prestigious Don Carlos Humanitarian Award.

Mel has been a pillar of Arizona’s Jewish community as a founding member and longtime leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe, while also serving in leadership roles with the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, Tempe Leadership, Tempe Cares, and numerous civic organizations.

Gail, an author, journalist, and former Tempe educator, has been a passionate advocate for the arts through her leadership with the Tempe Municipal Arts Commission, Friends of Tempe Center for the Arts, and National Society of Arts and Letters where she serves as the national president. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Join us as we honor their dedication to the community on November 8.

CATERING

An elevated kosher-certified reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and a chef-curated buffet from M Culinary Concepts — Arizona’s premier catering house — paired with a full bar of wine, spirits, and signature cocktails throughout the evening.

ENTERTAINMENT

A live performance by legendary blues and jazz vocalist Francine Reed — a Grammy-nominated icon whose soulful voice has graced stages with Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson — headlining an unforgettable evening of music, tribute, and celebration.

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsor the Gala

4 of 5 AVAILABLE

Jewish History & Culture Sponsor

$5,000

Join us in celebrating Mel and Gail while supporting the preservation of Arizona’s Jewish heritage.

— 5 tickets
— Featured stage and program recognition
— Half Page in Program Journal

1 of 2 AVAILABLE

Catering Sponsor
$15,000
Sponsor the kosher-certified buffet and hors d’oeuvres reception for every guest.
— 10 tickets
— Menu-card recognition
— Full Page in Program Journal
1 AVAILABLE
Bar & Wine Sponsor
$5,000
Sponsor the full bar service and evening pours throughout the gala.
— 5 tickets
— Signage at the bar
— Half Page in Program Journal
1 AVAILABLE
Cocktail Hour Sponsor
$5,000
Sponsor the opening reception — the evening’s first impression.

— 5 tickets
— Reception-area signage
— Half Page in Program Journal

1 AVAILABLE
Tribute Video Sponsor
$5,000
Sponsor the tribute video honoring Mel & Gail — a lasting keepsake of the evening.
— 5 tickets
— Special recognition in video credits
— Half Page in Program Journal
1 AVAILABLE
Entertainment Sponsor
$2,500
Sponsor the live music of Francine Reed and the evening’s program.

— 2 tickets
— Stage & program recognition
— Qtr Page in Program Journal

1 AVAILABLE
Décor Sponsor
$2,500
Sponsor the florals, table settings, and ambient design of the evening.
— 2 tickets
— Table-signage recognition
— Qtr Page in Program Journal
1 AVAILABLE
Program Journal Sponsor
$2,500
Sponsor the evening’s printed Tribute Book — the keepsake every guest takes home.
— 2 tickets
— Prominent recognition in Program Journal
— Qtr Page in Program Journal

If you’re interested in supporting the Heritage Gala, please email Greta Seidman at gseidman@azjhs.org

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

Table of Ten

$10,000

✦ 10 Tickets
✦ Recognition across all event materials
✦ Full Page Ad w/ Photo in Program Journal
✦ Recognition in Program Journal

RESERVE YOUR TABLE
If you’re interested in supporting the Heritage Gala, please email Greta Seidman at gseidman@azjhs.org

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Join Us for the Evening

Click for Ad Details

Journal Ad

Place an ad in the Program Journal that all Gala guests will receive:

— Leave a personal tribute to Mel & Gail
— Recognition in Program Journal

See Ad Options

Free convenient parking and valet services are available to all guests.

Ready to check out? Click the shopping cart*:

*Note that for tax purposes, the fair market value of goods and services provided at this event for you and any guests will be deducted from your gift. This will be reflected in your gift receipt that will be sent by AZJHS following the PayPal checkout.

TRIBUTE PROGRAM JOURNAL

Leave a Lasting Tribute

Honor Mel Kessler and Gail Fisher by placing a tribute message or display ad in the Heritage Award Gala 2026 Program Journal. A printed copy will be distributed to every guest — a lasting record of the evening and the community that made it possible.

✦ Share a personal tribute to one or both honorees
✦ Demonstrate your commitment to preserving Arizona Jewish history
✦ Promote your business or organization to a distinguished audience

Ready to check out? Click the shopping cart*:

*Note that for tax purposes, the fair market value of goods and services provided at this event for you and any guests will be deducted from your gift. This will be reflected in your gift receipt that will be sent by AZJHS following the PayPal checkout.