Keith Levitt honored at this year's Pavilion Golf Society Tournament

When golfers hit the greens on Sunday, May 6, for the sixth annual Pavilion Golf Society Tournament, not only will they be raising funds for the Orlando Senior Help Desk, they will be giving a Tiger Woods celebratory fist pump to this year's tournament honoree Keith Levitt.

Levitt's involvement in the community is well-known throughout Orange County. Born in Queens, NY, and raised in Maitland by parents Ken and Jackie, Levitt has been a member of The Roth Family JCC since its beginning. For over 15 years Levitt, along with fellow community volunteer Eli Bercovici, helped organize and run the JCC's annual 5K fundraiser. Levitt is an active runner himself, having completed a lifetime goal of running a marathon in all 52 states, and has now completed 83 marathons total.

"Keith is a tremendous guy," said Bercovici. "He believes in community. He's very Jewish-oriented and he's willing to help for all different causes."

Along with his father and two brothers, Scott and Brett, Levitt operates Oakley Signs & Graphics, a national supplier of real estate signs and innovative display marketing products geared toward real estate agents. Ever since the first Pavilion Golf Society tournament, Levitt and his company have been providing signage to the event for free. Considering the geographical spread of an 18-hole event, the donation of supplies and time is quite generous.

"Keith is very attached to the mission of The Jewish Pavilion," said Nancy Ludin, CEO of The Jewish Pavilion. "His dedication to supporting our programs through both his volunteer time and creation of event materials has been invaluable."

For Levitt, volunteering with The Jewish Pavilion has always been an integral component of his family's volunteer efforts in the community. Two of his grandparents participated in Shabbat and Jewish holiday parties. His mother, Jackie, was involved with The Pavilion for many years before she and Ken relocated to Tucson, Arizona, two years ago. And his children, Brandon and Brooke, have also volunteered at Pavilion events with Levitt and with their mother, Julie Grossman Levitt, who is a program director with The Pavilion.

Speaking on the overall mission of The Jewish Pavilion and his motivation for continued support, Levitt said, "The Jewish Pavilion has been a great source of information for seniors to lean on and to participate with and give them encouragement, excitement, and motivation."

"It's always great to give back, to be philanthropic, to help others," adds Levitt. Regarding his multiple years of participation in the Pavilion Golf Tournaments, he said, "Being able to help raise money with friends and friends of friends from all over for this charity creates unity, which is just so great."

When asked why someone should come out and play at the tournament, Levitt provided several reasons. "One, it's a fantastic golf course, Rosen Shingle Creek being one of the better golf courses in Central Florida," said Levitt. "Two, the course is conveniently located to the highway. And three, the group you hang out with will be a great group, the luncheon food is fantastic and there are lots of great gifts and prizes for playing."

The Pavilion Golf Society Tournament takes place Sunday, May 6, at the Rosen Shingle Creek golf course and benefits the Orlando Senior Help Desk. Early tournament registration can be done online at http://www.JewishPavilion.org. Day-of-event registration takes place from 7:15-8:15 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. A catered luncheon will follow the tournament. Tickets to the luncheon only are available for $40. Call the office at The Jewish Pavilion to learn more: 407-678-9363.

The Orlando Senior Help Desk is operated by The Jewish Pavilion and provides both resources and guidance to Central Florida seniors and their families at no cost.