Join Jewish Federation of Orange County and Solomon Society members for the signature men’s event of the year! Late Night raises critically needed funds in support of JFedOc’s work in Orange County, in Israel, and around the world. Late Night brings together over 300 professional business leaders and dedicated philanthropists for comedy and camaraderie to amplify Jewish life and make a difference in the lives of people locally and globally.
Bentley Kerr, Late Night Co-Chair
Andrew Robben, Late Night Co-Chair/Solomon Society Vice Chair
Stuart Wolfe, Solomon Society Chair
Eyal Aronoff, Mensch of the Year Selection Committee Chair
Kenny Beard, Table Captain Chair
Gideon Bernstein, Sponsorship Chair
Sam Wyman, Auction Chair
The Mensch of the Year is a Solomon Society member who exemplifies leadership, Jewish values, philanthropy, and service to our community from generation to generation (L’dor V’dor).
A dedicated Solomon Society member since 2017, Julian Mendez is being honored for his leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to the Jewish community—both in Orange County and in Israel, including his recent participation in Federation’s March 2025 Solidarity Mission. He is President of three Orange County construction firms serving major homebuilders including The Irvine Company, Toll Brothers, and Shea Homes. Julian is active in the building trades through his involvement with the California Building Industry Association and the International Erosion Control Association. He enjoys travel, live music, reading, Krav Maga, and spending time with his family.
Jay Leno is an acclaimed late-night television host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, in-demand corporate speaker, television and film voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. He currently produces and hosts Jay Leno’s Garage, a YouTube channel with an international following that has received several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.
Leno has received numerous honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards; selection as the most popular television star by the Harris Poll; the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University; the Mark Twain Prize; the Patriot Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and the distinction of being the first person to drive the pace car at all major NASCAR events.
He and his wife, Mavis—an ardent human rights activist—live in Los Angeles.
Elon Gold is a comedian and actor who has starred in FOX's 'Stacked' and NBC's 'In-Laws'. He has made ten appearances on 'The Tonight Show' and had a recurring role on the hit show, 'Bones'. Elon was a writer/performer on ABC's 'The Dana Carvey Show' and has guest starred on 'Frasier', 'The Mentalist', 'Chappelle's Show' among others. His one hour stand up special on Netflix, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike. It is currently streaming on Amazing Prime. Elon’s routines (including his popular Xmas tree bit) have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. He recently made a stellar appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and is currently featured in season 3 of “Crashing” on HBO playing his most challenging role yet…himself. He can next be seen alongside Larry David in the upcoming season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.
To become a Late Night sponsor, contact Senior Director of Philanthropy Jodie Snyder.