Broadway Comes to Ra'anana Concert

This past Monday evening an overflow crowd attended a most unusual event here in Ra'anana. MICHAELUNIQUE celebrated its first birthday by throwing a party for its patrons and neighbors. There was a certain magic in the air. The buzz was that something special, indeed, was taking place. It's truly a new way of doing business. A privately owned local business was giving back to the general community in recognition of its loyal support to the new business enterprise.MICHAELUNIQUE has a vision of promoting original ISRAELI art. Thirty-five talented individuals are currently represented at the classy gift emporium at the corner of Bar-Ilan and Ahuza. More and more artists are contacting MICHAELUNIQUE requesting inclusion the business. It is reported that a truly unique website is under construction which will allow the concept to be expanded beyond the shores of Israel and throughout the world.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Yisrael Lutnik of Jerusalem, a former New York stage performer. His renditions of the classics of Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber were thrilling. Grant Crankshaw, a local resident performed masterly as master of ceremonies. Grant also presented a hilarious comedy routine on the pitfalls of making aliyah.
Numerous surprises were in store for the capacity crowd, including the nearly simultaneous arrivals of current mayor Nahum Hofre and Zev Bielski, former mayor and current chairman of the Jewish Agency. Their brief words of welcome and compliments to Michael were greeted warmly by the largely Anglo audience. During the intermission each guest received a slice of birthday cake adorned with a fresh spring flower. Additional refreshments were served by TALI School parents and students in cooperation with neighboring businesses that were included in the effort.
At the end of the evening, one final, totally unanticipated surprise was announced by Michael Heymann, CEO of MICHAELUNIQUE. Each audience member was individually presented with a sealed envelope containing a gift certificate to the store. The value of the certificates ranged from 20 NIS to 1000 NIS!
When interviewed after the event and asked about the highly unusual generosity, Mr. Heymann re-iterated that it was MICHAELUNIQUE'S way of giving back to a community that has been overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive.