BOCA RATON, Fla. – (January 7, 2009) – The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF) will honor Judy Levis Markhoff with its annual “See the Light” Award on Saturday, February 7 at its 10th Anniversary “Evening of Sweetness & Laughter” at Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton.
Inspired by the strength of a little boy with the fatal Tay-Sachs disease, MFRF was founded in South Florida in 1998 to support education and research of children’s genetics diseases of the brain. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million toward its mission.
“Our highly anticipated 10th Anniversary celebration is an opportunity to honor longtime benefactor and friend Judy Levis Markhoff with our annual “See the Light” award for her outstanding support of genetic testing and education programs in our community,” said MFRF president Kevin Romer.
The daughter of Adolph and Rose Levis, pioneers of the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center of South Palm Beach County, Judy was “born to give”. She is an active member of the Advisory Board of The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation and the Foundation’s largest benefactor since it was founded 10 years ago.
“I’m honored to be named the Foundation’s 2009 ‘See the Light’ award winner and feel
fortunate to be able to give back to the community,” said Judy. “The Romer Foundation is driving the delivery of valuable genetic testing services and education to the South Florida community, through a variety of programs and I’m pleased to be a part of its mission”.
Along with MFRF, Judy is also involved in many other charities supporting education, healthcare and families with special needs in South Florida. JARC is especially close to her heart because of its residents with special needs. Judy has donated a new apartment complex and four new vans to JARC and volunteers regularly with residents for shabbat.
Judy is also a major benefactor at Boca Community Hospital including recently naming an examining oncology and hematology room.
She has sponsored a full college scholarship for a female Israeli Soldier through the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and sponsors Thanksgiving for the Florence Fuller Child Development Center, which provides quality child care and family support services for economically disadvantaged families.
Judy, and her husband, Paul, a retired trial attorney, are residents of Delray Beach.
“Judy’s graciousness and generous heart has benefited so many organizations throughout South Florida and we are pleased to recognize her many special efforts during our 10th Anniversary Gala,” added Romer.
An “Evening of Sweetness & Laughter” will also feature the comedy of Jeff Caldwell and dancing to the sounds of Euphoria. Ric Blackwell of WPEC-TV/CBS 12 will serve as master of ceremonies.
Major sponsors of the event include the Adolph and Rose Levis Foundation, Judy Levis Markhoff, West Boca Medical Center/Tenet Foundation, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Akerman Senterfitt, Meran Group at Merrill Lynch, Baron Delivers on Demand, Andrew and Marcelle Rosen, Eric and Karen Schiffer, Lois and Herm Siegel and Carole Romer.
Tickets are $175 if purchased by January 15, 2009 and $200 thereafter. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation at (561) 477-0337 or visit www.mfrfoundation.org.