The annual fundraiser to benefit JF&CS' Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program for adults with developmental disabilities is more than a party for the three families at the center of the event. The fourth annual "Wine Tasting ExtravaGrand", from 7-10 p.m. May 8 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, has turned into a family tradition.

Joan & Donald Brown, Pearlann & Jerry Horowitz, and Janet Selig & Jeff Bernstein, have passed the spirit of giving onto their children, creating a unique family event that has attracted the 30-something crowd to the charitable giving circle.

"It's important for young people to be exposed to Jewish Family & Career Services," explains Janet Selig. "This is the time when they need to take on leadership roles in the community."

Mara & Justin Berman, Debra & Mark Brown, Amy & Bruce Edelstein, Michelle & Steven Friedlander, Scott Horowitz, Amy & Scott Selig, Stephanie & Blake Selig, and Mindy and David Shoulberg are carrying on their families' legacies of community involvement.

Scott Horowitz is already involved with the Federation's Young Leadership program, but being involved with JF&CS allows him to focus on something that can help his sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Steven Friedlander, who benefit from the Zimmerman-Horowitz ILP.

"It's an important cause to me and I want to share Michelle's success stories with other people," Scott Horowitz says. "It's a lot different, and a lot more moving, when people come to the event and hear the stories for themselves."

A client of the Zimmerman-Horowitz ILP shares their individual accomplishments with guests at the party, explaining how educational and hands-on programming has helped them live as independently as possible.

"When you hear how people's lives have changed, you can't help but get involved," says Scott Selig. "When you're involved hands-on you can really see the difference."

Mindy and David Shoulberg, Janet Selig's daughter and son-in-law, enjoy working together as a family to help the community, and are also hoping to involve David's family in JF&CS.

"David's niece has Down's Syndrome and we see how the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program can benefit her," Mindy Shoulberg says.

"We're really the staying power of the next generation," says 30-year-old Mark Brown. "This is our way to keep up the family tradition of charitable giving."

The Fourth Annual "A Tasting ExtravaGrand" is 7-10 p.m. May 8 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. Featuring an international selection of fine wines and spirits, a silent auction and the culinary delights of the Grand Hyatt Executive Chef Greg Zeringue. $65 per person. For a full listing of all the 2003 Independence Day parties, visit www.jfcs-atlanta.org.

Jewish Family & Career Services is one of Federation's local beneficiary agencies, and received an allocation of $1,505,236 in FY03.