Women of Impact: Sadie Rain Levy

May 2019

Each month our Women of Impact profile features a local woman, nominated by a local community member, who is making an impact in our community. For this month’s profile, Meredith Chandler spoke with Sadie Rain Levy, a middle school student who is already making her mark both inside and outside the Jewish community. Sadie was nominated by Federation Vice President of Philanthropy Rachel Berezin, who said, “Sadie puts her heart into all she does and adds her own element to it. I was so inspired to learn about her, and I thought her story would inspire other women too.”

What inspired you to get involved in our Jewish community?

It’s just the kind of person I am. I love to help others and I’m always willing to help out, even if no one else wants to. Helping others makes me feel good.

(“Sadie has always had a strong sense of self,” says her mom, Suzanne Levy. “Her preschool teachers described her as a breath of fresh air every day.”)

What have you done to make a positive impact?

I’m not afraid to ask for money, and I’ve raised money for a lot of different causes including the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services, the March of Dimes, KP Cares (the community service club at my middle school), the Special Olympics, Doctors without Borders and more.

I like to sell things because it’s a win-win: it feels good for the donor and the recipient. I call it a “double give.” I like putting effort into my fundraisers; that makes it more meaningful for me. I’ve sold homemade baked goods, lemonade and beaded jewelry, and I took the Penguin Plunge for the Special Olympics.

What was your greatest setback, and what is your proudest accomplishment?

I can’t think of a greatest setback. I’m a pretty fortunate person. My philosophy is, why would anyone keep things for themselves when they could share with others? 

My proudest accomplishment was raising over $500 for the March of Dimes walk when I was in third grade. I felt so good when I thought about all the babies whose lives would be saved.

What role has Judaism played in your life?

Judaism adds meaning to my life. I love the fact that all of the Jewish holidays are about celebrating family and peoplehood and history, not getting gifts. 

Being Jewish also gives me more opportunities to help! My Bat Mitzvah is coming up on June 1, and for my mitzvah project I’m cooking and serving food at a homeless shelter. In addition to that, I’m raising $700 for the food pantry because 7 is my favorite number. Since I happen to be pretty good at Hebrew, I also volunteered to tutor the younger kids at my Hebrew school beginning in the fall.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with other women?

If you see an injustice, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you don’t speak up, others will miss out on what you think!