Dean Street Stroll Raises Funds For Advocate Groups

At the Dean Street Stroll: Anne-Marie Bennoun, Ruth Seitelman, Elizabeth Halverstam, Franci Steinberg, Bari-Lynne Schwartz and Joan Ornstein. | Photo by Hillary Viders

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On Thursday, Nov. 14, Dean Street, a main shopping destination in Englewood, was the scene of a fundraising shopping spree.

The “Dean Street Stroll,” co-sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section and the Sisterhood of Temple Sinai of Bergen County, took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Throughout the day, 14 participating retail stores on Dean Street that sported pink “Dean Street Stroll” signs donated 10% of their sales revenue from that day to the two organizations. Both organizations focus on supporting Bergen County’s local non-sectarian community organizations which address the eradication of hunger, and the enhancement of services for children, families and seniors. 

To enhance the shopping experience, two neighborhood restaurants also donated a portion of their proceeds. Blue Moon Cafe offered a 15% discount on lunch and a $4 sangria happy hour and Red White and Pasta offered a 10% discount on lunch.   

At 11 a.m., a dozen community leaders met in Starbucks to discuss the stroll itinerary. The group included: NCJW BCS Co-Presidents Elizabeth Halverstam and Ruth Seitelman and her daughter Cori; Anne-Marie Bennoun, president of Temple Sinai; Franci Steinberg, president of Temple Sinai Sisterhood; Joan Ornstein, NCJW BCS Co-Vice President of fundraising; and Peggy Kabakow, Temple Sinai trustee.  

“This is the first time the two organizations have collaborated,” said Steinberg, “and we are thrilled with the new partnership.” 

Halverstam added, “We are most fortunate to have an exciting array of stores and restaurants in Englewood, and we are most grateful for their support of important Bergen County causes.” 

Here, the shoppers show off some of their haul. | Photo by Hillary Viders

The group headed for the stores with great anticipation of the bargains that lay ahead, and bargains they found!  

The first stop, Reveboutique.com, where they gathered for a photo op, was aglitter with seasonal blouses, dresses, blouses, pants and pocketbooks. Many beautiful items were also displayed at the other participating stores. 

Liz Roditi, Treasurer of NCJW BCS, remarked, “This is a great time of year to shop for holiday gifts because it’s less crowded.  Holiday shopping can be very stressful, but this is a lot of fun.” 

The group then made their way up and down South Dean Street where they stopped and shopped at the other participating stores: Arielle’s Gallery, Anac Designs, Aetrex Shoes, Ayesha Studio Jewelry, Engle Shop, Engle Shop Too, Florentia Boutique, Marcia’s Attic, Marcia’s Attic Kids, Medici, Portage, Coco Jolie and Pumpkin & Bean.  

Many of the women from NCJW BCS and Temple Sinai took time from the shopping spree for a tasty lunch at Red, White and Pasta.  

NCJW BCS Past President Carole Benson said, “This event is something new for us, out of the box, and it’s a great success!”