Lanski family remembrance
Jazz for Chaz
December 4, 1998 · Whippany, New Jersey
Friends and family gathered for music, conversation, and a celebration of Chaz’s life at JR Tobacco’s El Rey del Mundo Room.
This is a record of an event held in 1998. The original ticket prices, deadlines, and benefit arrangements below are historical.
The evening, remembered
Music, libations, and fine cigars were shared among the friends and family of Chaz Lanski in a heartfelt celebration of his life. Seventy ASCers from across the country traveled to Whippany, NJ, and gathered in JR Tobacco’s El Rey del Mundo Room to honor his memory. We all lifted our glasses and lit our cigars in a private toast to his good spirit, his compassion, and the friendship he extended all of us. Among his friends Chaz’s lovely wife Kim and his one-year-old son Carson along with both pairs of parents were also in attendance.
The evening was the culmination of a charity drive whose goal was to collect enough money to ensure Carson the opportunity to attend college seventeen years from now. Two fellow ASCers, Marc Goldstone and Don Payne, began this worthwhile drive amongst their online cigar smoking peers. The tragic and unexpected loss of Chaz struck all that knew him with great sadness and contributing to the Lanski Fund was a way for his friends to extend a caring hand to help his family. "Jazz for Chaz" was organized by another ASCer Gary Haberman along with Marc to be a celebration of Chaz’s life and to help put the fund "over the top" of needed goal of $10,000.00.
Our own Grammy nominated musician Gary and the beautiful voice of Patti Dunham entertained us with an exceptional private jazz concert that highlighted the event. Many businesses including JR Tobacco, Craig Neier Associates, Cigar Express, and Gan Eden Winery donated to this good cause. Silent auctions, raffles, and private donations all contributed to the effort. By the end of the evening the goal was not only met, but well surpassed. The occasion proved to be a most fitting and noble tribute to our dearly remembered friend, Chaz.
The music
Gary Haberman and Patti Dunham donated their talents to the evening. The scrapbook also preserved a song titled “Jazz for Chaz,” with music and lyrics credited to Gary Haberman. It celebrated the guests, organizers, and the support surrounding Kim and Carson.
Before the gathering
The original benefit announcement and updates
Jazz ‘n Cigars to benefit the Lanski Fund 12/4/98!!!!!!!
Gary Haberman & Patti Dunham perform at JSCC ’98
ASC’s own "Maestro", Gary Haberman, in conjunction with his musical partner in crime, Patti "Voice of the Angels" Dunham, have agreed to donate their talents and perform at a gathering to benefit the Lanski Fund on Friday, December 4, 1998, at El Rey Del Mundo lounge (located in JR’s Tobacco in Whippany, New Jersey) from 8-11 p.m.
El Rey Del Mundo Lounge at JSCC ’98
The evening will include phenomenal music, food and drink to include:
1) Chips & Dips 2) Salad 3) Deli Tray ( Roast beef, cheeses etc) 4) 2 hot Entrees : Pasta and Chicken dish 5) Coffee service 6) Desert 7) Soda Station 8) Tix for 2 alcoholic beverages 9) Minimum of 2 cigars pp. 10) Spirit "Tasting" station
as well as door prizes from _MY OWN HUMIDOR_ (as well as anything else that anyone cares to donate.)
The evening will also feature an auction to benefit the Lanski Fund, including a specially designed "Rudy" ashtray and matching Blazer Holder.
The cost for all this? Only $60!
However, we need 50 attendees to make this work, and we need the $$ in advance. Please send me an e-mail if you intend to be there, and I’ll get you the address to send the check.
Thanks so much to the generosity of Lew Rothman, Gary Haberman and Patti Dunham, and Rich from JR’s for helping to make this event a reality.
I hope to see you all there on December 4!!!
Thanks,
Marc Goldstone
Jazz ‘n Cigars Benefit–Update
November 14, 1998
I’ve received offers from 2 generous folks to provide door prizes at the Jazz ‘n Cigars benefit.
Craig Winchell from Gan Eden winery is sending a case of his finest.
Greg Vass has given me a pre-castro Cuban Romeo Y Julieta Breva (a gorgeous corona with the darkest capa I’ve seen in a while.) I understand that CA gave this cigar a 93 during the "vintage" cigar ratings.
I anticipate more door prizes to tell y’all about shortly. Of course, I will also be digging deep into my own personal ‘dors for door prizes as well.
Someone asked if it would be o.k. to bring spouses, significant others, friends, etc. The answer is "Abso-frigging-loutely!" The more, the merrier (and the more money we’ll raise for the Lanski Fund!)
Remember-there will be NO tickets sold "at the door." If you don’t get a check to me in advance, you won’t get in!
Don’t miss it. The Jazz concert alone is worth the price of admission. The food, drink, cigars and door prizes are "icing on the cake!"
Send me some mail–let me know that you’re coming, and how many folks you are bringing! Friday, December 4, 8-11 p.m., El Rey Del Mundo Bar at JR Tobacco in Whippany, N.J. (about 30 mins west of NYC).
Jazz ‘n Cigars Benefit–Update
November 16, 1998
Carlos Gonzalez (ASC’s own Tabacoman) has advised me that Gilberto Florez, from the Flor De Florez Cigar Co., will be attending the Jazz ‘n Cigars benefit, and he will be bringing a box of his finest as yet another door prize.
In addition, several individuals of note have volunteered certain "especiale" cigars as "dor" prizes.
I have also decided to kick a burl wood inlaid travel humidor (just like the ones we gave away at JSCC II) into the "dor" prize pool.
So far, about 10 folks have indicated that they will attend. I hope that many more will follow! E-mail me for details!