Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center

LEVIS JCC PROUDLY ANNOUNCES NEWLY NAMED RYAN F. ZACKON FAMILY PLAYGROUND AT ITS BETTY & MARVIN ZALE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER   BOCA RATON, FL (February 7, 2024) – On Friday, February 2, Ryan F. Zackon and his family joined Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center (Levis JCC) leadership, staff and teachers for a celebration of the naming of the Levis JCC Zale preschool’s playground. The festive event began with a warm welcome by Cindy Bergman, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Levis JCC. She welcomed guests, who gathered in front of a vibrant installation of three colorful sculptures of the Peace, Love, and Happiness symbols. The sculptures comprise the Anita & Sydney Silverman Memorial Sculpture Garden, named in memory of Ryan’s grandparents. Lead by Stacey Rosenberg, Vice President, Early Childhood Education Services and Director of the Levis JCC’s Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center, more than 80 preschool children sang songs, and presented Ryan and his family with a banner and handmade cards of thanks. Joining Ryan in representing the family were Linda Zackon, Barry Zackon, Blair Zackon, and Brandon Zackon.   Levis JCC President & CEO Marty Haberer introduced Ryan Zackon, who he described as an entrepreneur, athlete and philanthropist. Ryan shared with guests the importance of the Jewish Community Center and why making this gift was so meaningful to him and his family. Flanked by his parents Linda and Barry, Ryan then removed the cover from the plaque marking the Ryan F. Zackon Family Playground and, amid applause from the adults, the children ran off to enjoy playing on the various structures across the spacious playground.   “When my family and I moved to the United States, the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center as well as Donna Klein Jewish Academy were the first places that welcomed me as a 7th grade student. Now, thirty years later, I am honored to be able to give back to the organization that gave so much to my family,” Ryan commented. “Watching these kids play on the same playground that I once did, a playground that now bears my name, is truly a full circle moment for me. I couldn’t be prouder of the community that we are building at the Levis JCC. The Levis JCC Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center is often the first doorway new families pass through as they seek to establish and maintain a Jewish identity for their children. This truly feels like the embodiment of the Jewish concept of L’Dor v’dor – from one generation to the next.”   This generous gift is part of the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s “Elevating our Future” Capital Campaign. Driven by extraordinary donors who are committed to realizing the dream of a Levis JCC that is built for the growth and future of this community, the campaign continues to grow. For information about the “Elevating Our Future” Campaign, please contact Cindy Bergman at cindyb@levisjcc.org.