My beloved father, Moses Levitt, passed away December 10th, 2021. He was 90 years old and had an incurable heart condition. I have started this campaign in his honor. From an early age, my father was a role model in terms of giving back to the community and helping others less fortunate. I remember him volunteering at the local zoo to drive kids around in a tractor with a wagon; leading fundraising efforts for the Lions Club – one of my favorite was selling balloons in local parks; going to an orphanage to show movies (those were the days of 16mm films); volunteering at a home for children with special needs; supporting our local synagogue and many other charities. Without a doubt he instilled in me the value of giving back and helping others.

In September of last year I joined the Board of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. I am honored to serve this organization, its leaders, employees and volunteers in all the important work the organization does around disaster relief, fires, blood drives, life-saving skills education, and so many other issues.

Nationally we are at a crisis with blood supply shortages – we are at our lowest level in over a decade; and the needs are greater than ever.

In honor of my late dad, I have started the ‘Sleeves Up’ campaign with the goal of getting 90 people to donate blood this year. 1 blood donation for every year of his amazing life where he always put the needs of others before his own needs. Please, make a pledge and go and donate blood this year in honor of my late father. May his memory be a blessing.