(NORTH HALEDON, NJ) – The family of North Haledon resident John Levine continues to honor his life and legacy through acts of generosity that make a lasting impact on countless lives.
More than 175 golfers, friends, family members, business leaders, and community supporters recently gathered at Arcola Country Club in Paramus for The John Levine Fund’s 6th Annual Benefit Golf Outing and Dinner, raising more than $190,000 for the Sharing Network Foundation. Through this event and other charitable initiatives, the Levine family and their supporters have contributed more than $425,000 to advance NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
The event brought together many of the region’s leaders in commercial real estate, reflecting the industry’s strong commitment to giving back to the community. Lead sponsors included Deugen Development Real Estate, Cole Schotz P.C., MSW – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, Newmark, and Devli Real Estate.
John passed away unexpectedly in September 2014 at the age of 54. A devoted husband, proud father, accomplished business leader, and loyal friend, John made the selfless decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. John’s gifts as an organ donor saved lives and inspired his family to channel their loss into a mission of service.
Since John’s passing, his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, Jennifer and Jesse, have continued to honor his legacy through a variety of volunteer, educational, and fundraising efforts in support of NJ Sharing Network. The annual benefit is led by John’s son-in-law, Eric Gormeley, with the support of Jennifer, the Levine family, and many dedicated volunteers. Through the event, Eric has united colleagues and leaders throughout the commercial real estate industry to honor John’s legacy while raising awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.
“Our family started this event to honor John, but it’s also about helping others understand that every person has the opportunity to be a hero,” said Eric Gormeley. “Helping carry forward John’s legacy means a great deal to our family. If sharing his story inspires even one more person to register as an organ and tissue donor, then we’ve made a difference.”
Jennifer Gormeley, John’s daughter, said the event also serves as a heartfelt reminder of the many lives her father touched, both during his lifetime and through his decision to become an organ donor.
“My dad had a way of bringing people together, and this event is a beautiful reflection of who he was,” she said. “Seeing so many family members, friends, colleagues, and supporters come together each year reminds us that his kindness continues to live on in ways we never could have imagined.”
The Sharing Network Foundation supports the mission of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Funds raised help advance clinical innovation, provide compassionate support to organ and tissue donor families, and expand public awareness and education throughout New Jersey.
“The Levine family has shown how one family’s commitment can inspire an entire community to make a difference,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “Year after year, the John Levine fund brings together people who believe in helping others. Their ongoing commitment not only honors John’s remarkable legacy but also helps inspire more people to give the gift of life for generations to come.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
For more information about the Sharing Network Foundation, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.
PHOTO #1 – (L-R) Reese and Jesse Levine, Jacqueline Levine, Jennifer Gormeley and her children, Declan, Anneliese and Aurora, (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #2 – Eric and Jennifer Gormeley are pictured with their children, Declan, Anneliese and Aurora, during The John Levine Fund’s 6th Annual Benefit Golf Outing. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #3 – North Haledon resident John Levine gave the gift of life to others as an organ donor (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)