Mindy’s next ‘project’–YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser 2022

Mindy Kaling’s media company, Kaling International, was named as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies this year. She named the company after herself, she told Time , because it struck her funny that a company with her moniker could be “considered a huge corporation, like Shell Oil.”

That anecdote encapsulates the paradox of Kaling: she is hilarious, yet self-deprecating, brilliant, yet unarrogant. Kaling is a mogul–but she might not know it.

We’re back!

This year’s 14 ^th annual Young Leadership Division’s Big Event Fundraiser will feature a conversation with the mogul herself, Kaling–an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, actor, and best-selling author.

“We are excited that the Big Event Fundraiser is back in person this year! It will be the event we have all be waiting for these past three years,” said Lisa Wiznitzer, YLD’s 2022-2023 Board President, who will moderate the event’s conversation with Kaling. “Once again, 1,500 young Jews will get together to celebrate the essential work that JUF does here in Chicago and around the globe, and acknowledge the work that is yet to be done.”

Ch-ch-ch-changes

In appearing at the Big Event Fundraiser, Kaling joins a stellar roster of past performers including Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, and Key & Peele.

But things will look a little different this year: It will happen earlier on the calendar–Saturday, Oct. 29. The festivities have moved from a hotel setting to Chicago’s Harris Theater.

Also this year, JUF’s Young Leadership Division will launch its new giving society: YLD Level Up. For just $18 a month, members will have enhanced access to YLD events, as well as exclusive events just for members. (See next page.)

“I can’t wait to share this night with other passionate and dedicated Jewish philanthropists,” said Logan Booth, 2022 YLD Campaign Chair. “We’ve spent the past three years reimagining the Big Event Fundraiser–to create a fresh and innovative experience for our community, all while retaining the core elements that make Big Event Fundraiser a bedrock annual tradition.”

Doors open at 8 p.m., followed by the conversation with Kaling at 8:30. The afterparty will immediately follow.

Forever the ‘underdog’

Kaling has been called one of the brightest and funniest voices of her generation. In 2012, she was named to the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World List. She has also authored two New York Times bestselling memoirs.

By 24, Kaling, who is Indian-American, was the first person of color and the first woman to join the writers’ room on NBC’s The Office . During her eight seasons at the show — in which she also co-starred — she became the first woman of color nominated for a Prime Time Emmy in any writing category. She has been nominated for six Emmys in five consecutive years.

After The Office , Kaling created, produced, and starred in The Mindy Project. The six-season comedy series that follows obstetrician/gynecologist Mindy Lahiri, played by Kaling, as she strives to balance her personal and professional worlds. The character, Kaling has said, was inspired by her own mother, who was an OB/GYN.

These days, Kaling–now a mama herself, of 2 young children–is giving voice to the young women of Gen Z. She is wrapping up production on Never Have I Ever , a coming-of-age comedy Netflix series chronicling the life of an Indian-American teenage girl, loosely based on Kaling’s own childhood.

And she is co-creator and executive producer of The Sex Lives of College Girls –an HBOMax comedy series following four college roommates. Kaling is also co-writing Legally Blonde 3, the long-awaited continuation of the beloved Reese Witherspoon comedy series.

Even with all of Kaling’s success, she still maintains a sense of humility. “I have an underdog spirit in me,” she said, “and now it feels weirds to kind of get my own way more often than not.”

Tickets to YLD’s Big Event are $135, which includes a $50 gift to the 2022 JUF Annual Campaign, an assigned seat for the program featuring Kaling, access to the afterparty and three drink tickets. Dietary laws will be observed. Register at juf.org/bigevent by Oct. 13 to make seating requests. Attendance is for those 21 and over; photo ID is required and cocktail attire is encouraged.

Bonus: Level up with YLD!

Introducing YLD Level Up, a new society for young adults in their 20s who make a minimum contribution of $18 a month, or $216 a year, to the JUF Annual Campaign. For $18 a month, you will access exclusive events, join fellow members for both an intimate Shabbat dinner and a special volunteer opportunity to a YLD Level Up signature event.

Level Up members will also receive a complimentary ticket for you and a +1 to a YLD event of your choice, and skip to the top of the waitlist of YLD’s most popular programs.

All while connecting with new people and supporting the urgent needs in Chicago’s Jewish community.

To Level Up, contact Sara Wineburgh, YLD Assistant Director, at[email protected]or 312-357-4942.