MARGATE – The Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center of Atlantic County proudly announces the honoree of its 2014 Annual Gala as Cookie Till, owner of Steve & Cookies restaurant in Margate.
The Gala is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2014 at One Atlantic at the Pier Shops in Caesars, Atlantic City.
“We are very excited that Cookie is allowing us to recognize her in this way. Her continuous contribution to the community and her unwavering commitment to local charities, some of which she established have helped change the lives of many in our community.” Event Chairman Marc Neumann said.
Till, a native of Atlantic City with a master’s degree in nutrition, began her restaurant career 25 years ago running a “summer shack” crab house with her husband, Steve, and chef Kevin Kelly. But in 1996 they decided to move across the street and took what was once the faded restaurant Strohbeck’s and transformed it into Steve & Cookies, a staple of the Margate community serving the best steaks and fresh seafood in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As the founder and chairman of the Margate Community Farmer’s Market and supporter of Jah’s Creation Organic Farm, Chef’s Collaborative – Earth Dinners and NJ Farm to School Network Till is committed to the community and the “eat, drink and buy locally” movement.
She has also dedicated herself to the improvement of urban areas with her non-profit organization, A Work In Progress, an organization dedicated to charitable and educational purposes of developing and maintaining urban gardens.
Till’s philanthropic work does not stop with the community or the planet, she also has a strong passion for animals.
As such, she hosts an annual dog show designed to promote public awareness for responsible dog adoption and conscientious pet guardianship.
“Cookie is well-deserving of this recognition,” Executive Director of the Katz JCC Jack I. Fox said. “She is a leading example of giving ‘Tzedakah’ – the act of charitable giving.”
The Katz JCC Annual Gala is presented as an opportunity for the organization to recognize individuals who have had a positive community impact and to celebrate their business, political, philanthropic and personal achievements. In turn, the event helps the Katz JCC raise funds to further its mission to provide the children and seniors of Atlantic County, as well as the community as a whole, programs and services that enhance and enrich lives.
For more information on the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, visit www.jccatlantic.org. For Gala, sponsorship or ticket information contact Katz JCC Director of Special Events & Fundraising Julie Fink at 609-822-1167 Ext. 159.