‘Marilyn Monroe’ launches WJR’s Big Bagel Boutique 2012

Hannah Layton recreated the famous scene from Monroe’s film ‘The Seven Year Itch’, but with a twist – bagels! Her great great uncle Lt. Colonel Julian Layton helped found the charity that became WJR, and was instrumental in saving the lives of thousands of Jews around the time of World War II, including 10,000 children on the Kindertransport.

The international humanitarian aid charity has been running the Big Bagel since 2009, and over the years thousands of people have eaten bagels together in homes, schools, offices and synagogues around the world to raise money for WJR’s life-saving work, generating over £125,000 since it was first launched. The charity is hoping to raise over £100,000 this year, which will go a long way to raising beneficiaries out o a life of poverty.

This year, the campaign is themed around the ‘Big Bagel Boutique’, encouraging supporters to combine their event with a pampering session, perhaps inviting along a local manicurist or masseuse to treat their guests.

Supporters are encouraged to host their Big Bagel Boutique in May, though events can be organised by hosts at any time convenient to them.

Emma Segal, Head of Community Partnerships at WJR, said:
“Hosting a Big Bagel Boutique is a fantastic opportunity to get together with friends while raising money to fund WJR’s vital work across the world. The Big Bagel Boutique is already creating a buzz, with some fantastic ideas from our supporters on Bagel-themed events they are going to host. Whether you have five or 500 people at your event, you will make a difference.

“The indulgence theme of this year’s campaign makes it the perfect excuse to relax and unwind with friends while eating some bagels. Go on, you deserve a bit of pampering!”

Hannah Layton commented:
“I am thrilled to be able to help out with launching the Big Bagel Campaign. WJR has been important in my life since my childhood. Visiting the Former Soviet Union and meeting the people WJR helps firsthand made it clear to me how vital their work really is. I am so excited to support in any way I can and am looking forward to attending some bagel brunches.”

The campaign is being supported by gourmet kosher brand Adafina, who donated the bagels for the Marilyn Monroe photos. Adafina will donate 25p to WJR for every bagel sold during May at their shops in St Johns Wood and Selfridges London Foodhall as well as stockists such as Budgens Belsize Park, John Lewis Foodhall on Oxford Street and Goldman Sachs Banks. Visit Adafina – www.adafina.co.uk to view their special platter menu designed with the 'Big Bagel' in mind at reduced rates. 

To host a Big Bagel Boutique please contact Emma Segal on 0208 736 1253 or visit www.wjr.org.uk/bigbagel. Hosts will be sent a free fundraising pack containing everything needed to create a successful event and WJR’s dedicated community fundraising team will be on hand to support them along the way.

The charity is also holding its first virtual Big Bagel event on 10th May, where supporters will come together on facebook and twitter. Join us at www.facebook.com/worldjewishrelief and www.twitter.com/wjrelief.