Fourteen-year-old Jake Hershkowitz recently presented a $1,626 donation to Smile Farms in support of the nonprofit’s mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
His donation exceeded his original goal of $1,500 and was raised through his independent service project, Faceoff for the Future, developed as part of his role as a Young Ambassador for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation (HLFYA). Selected from more than 100 applicants, Jake was one of just 12 students chosen to design and lead a service initiative aligned with a cause close to their heart, according to Smile Farms based in Jericho.
Jake’s connection to Smile Farms began with a chance encounter months earlier, the nonprofit reported. His mother, Kelly Hershkowitz, first learned about the organization through an interaction with Smile Farms supporter Jude Rozenveld at a bagel store in Syosset after Jude noticed Kelly’s older son, Ryan, reacting joyfully to the music playing in the shop.
Ryan said, “This music made my day,” Jude recalled, and she spontaneously responded, “You just made my day.”
Jude and Kelly struck up a conversation, during which Jude shared her involvement with Smile Farms. They exchanged phone numbers, but it wasn’t until eight months later, while cleaning out her desk drawer, that Kelly rediscovered Jude’s contact information, according to the nonprofit.
“That moment felt like it was meant to be,” said Kelly. “I suggested to Jake that Smile Farms would be a wonderful organization to support.”
Inspired by his older brother Ryan, who was born with Williams syndrome, Jake launched Faceoff for the Future to support organizations like Smile Farms that expand inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Faceoff for the Future fundraising event took place on October 4 at Tappen Beach Rink in Sea Cliff during the North Shore PAL Games. Jake credits the experience with helping him grow, particularly by overcoming his fear of public speaking. A highlight of the year, he shared, was presenting his project at HLFYA’s end-of-year celebration to fellow Young Ambassadors and his role model, Henrik Lundqvist.
Through his project, Jake built strong community partnerships with generous local sponsors including Schmackary’s, Pacific Street Pizza, Lester’s, Bout Boxing, Headrush Salon NY, and Mathnasium of Roslyn.
Jake was joined by his mother as well as Smile Farms supporter Jude Rozenveld, her husband Jan, and son Christian to present the donation.
“At just 14 years old, Jake Hershkowitz exemplifies youth leadership, compassion, and the power of community connections to create lasting impact,” said Steve McDermott, Managing Director of Smile Farms. “We are deeply grateful to Jake, his mom, and the Rozenveld family for their passionate support of Smile Farms.”
For more information, visit www.smilefarms.org.