09/25/2026
We may be a day late celebrating this special anniversary, but some milestones are too meaningful to rush. And truthfully, it’s hard to put into words what the last 10 years of The Jewel Levine Foundation have meant to us.
For those who may not know, the foundation was named after our founder Danielle’s maternal grandmother, Jewel Levine. Jewel was one of the most inspirational and selfless people you could ever meet. In her late 60s, she experienced kidney failure and spent more than 15 years undergoing dialysis treatment three days a week. She called her treatments her “day at the spa” and despite countless complications, Jewel never complained.
Jewel passed away in 2013, but she left behind more than a name. She left behind a way of living. Living with kindness, strength, gratitude and a willingness to help others. Through this foundation, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to keep her spirit alive.
A short three years later, our co founders, Derek and Danielle, came together to create The Jewel Levine Foundation. Not long after establishing, we were given our first mission. A close friend, cancer survivor and incredible member of our community suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke. We knew this was our first calling. Within a month, we organized and successfully put on the 5k Run/Walk for Elle at Newbury Park High School on September 24th 2016. That event became the beginning of something so much bigger than we could’ve imagined.
Looking back over these 10 years, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more grateful for the people we’ve been able to help and the community we’ve built along the way. We’ve been able to do this from a multitude of events that includes our Crawfish Boils, our 4th of July and Jingle Bell Jog runs, 24 Hours for Hans, blood drives and everything in between. But these moments have always been about more than raising money. They’ve been about showing up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. We’ve been able to bring our community together and remind our recipients they are never alone.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also want to remember those who are no longer here to celebrate with us: Tina Lorch, Ron Jefferis, Stacy Ohligschlager Bill Hannan, Frank Rodriguez, Jack “the beast" Frye and Stephanie Watkins. Their stories, their loved ones and the impact they made will always be a part of this foundation. If they were your friend, family member or simply someone you supported along their journey, our hearts are with you.
Ten years later we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for every donor, sponsor, volunteer, supporter, friend and family member who have helped make this foundation what it is. And most of all, we’re grateful for the woman who inspired this all, Jewel.
Here’s to the people we’ve helped, the people we’ll never forget and the people we’ll continue to show up for. Here’s to 10 years of The Jewel Levine Foundation.
