Eric Heimark (Palo Alto)

Free the Children

At the age of 10, when I was moving back to England, I became inspired to join a grassroots organization known as Free the Children. Free the Children is an entirely youth-run organization dedicated to freeing children from the cycle of poverty, physical and social exploitation, and the belief that they are powerless to change the world. Starting that year (2000) in London, we were able to raise the equivalent of $20,000 to build primary schools in Africa and South America through a mere geography bee. Since then, my efforts have multiplied: I have been privileged to volunteer for five summers in Kenya and India and I am pleased to say that we will be opening a new California development office –the first outside of Canada – in my local school system this fall. I am proud to be part of an ever-growing global network of children helping other children to effect positive change.

Frederick Scarf (Sherman Oaks)

The Shiri Foundation

I was the first speaker at my best friend’s funeral. Shiri Gumbiner passed away from osteosarcoma at the age of 16 and, since that day, I have dedicated most of my time to making sure that no one else’s best friend will suffer the same fate. I began the Shiri Foundation (www.shiri.org) and through publication of numerous articles about Shiri in LA Youth and The Los Angeles Times, appearances on ABC 7 and KTLA News, and partnering with the Children’s Hospital of L.A., the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, City of Hope, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Ronald McDonald houses, I spread the word on the need for osteosarcoma research. In response to my writing and television appearances, students in California, New York, Georgia, Louisiana, and Maryland have contacted me asking if they might be able to help by placing donation boxes in their schools. Many of these students have also been inspired to hold bake sales and sell t-shirts that read “I’m fighting bone cancer by wearing this shirt.” The Shiri Foundation also organizes proms for teens with cancer who may not live long enough to attend their own proms. I have been organizing this event for the past two years. Osteosarcoma is so rare and receives so little funding, it is nicknamed the “orphan disease.” I will not stop fund-raising or speaking out until osteosarcoma stops taking the lives of children.

• With youth like Fred Scarf, fairytales can come true
  j. weekly, June 25, 2009

Ronit Abramson (San Diego)

Environmentalist & San Diego Zoo’s Arctic Ambassador for the Year of the Polar Bear

From bal tashchit which tells us not to waste or destroy to shiluach ha-ken which teaches us to protect all species, many mitzvot instruct us to care for the world. During the past three years, I have dedicated my interests and time to a growing network of environmental activities ranging from two years of scientific research on water quality to studying and spreading awareness about global climate change. My goal is to protect our environment for future generations while inspiring, informing, and empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to work together in tikkun olam.

After reading numerous reports about how pharmaceuticals were disfiguring plants and animals in San Diego’s streams, I began investigating ways to better detect these compounds in bodies of water. As I continued my research and presented it to numerous audiences, I realized the opportunity for increasing teenagers’ understanding of environmental concerns through scientific research. Therefore, I founded Inquiry Club, a student group dedicated to mentoring students in scientific inquiry and research…

As the San Diego Zoo's Arctic Ambassador for 2008, the "Year of the Polar Bear," I spent ten days in the Canadian Arctic studying the effects of global climate change on the polar bears and their Arctic ecosystem. Along with a small group of international colleagues, we educated students around the world about our work through videoconferences and daily online blogs. Since returning to San Diego, I have given presentations to both adult and student groups, educating them about global climate change and the responsibilities of every individual to take action to improve the environment.

Sarah Van Zanten (Palo Alto)

Teenage Dating Abuse Awareness & Prevention

When I was 15 and a high school sophomore, I began dating a football player. After a few weeks he became verbally abusive and controlling. His behavior soon escalated until he shoved me against a locker at school and was suspended…After receiving two bruised ribs and a concussion, charges were filed and he was sent to Juvenile Hall. It was during Confirmation Class that I realized that I had a message to give. At Confirmation I spoke about my experience and have not stopped for 3 and 1/2 years. I speak to high school and junior high groups as well as Girl Scout troops and prisoners in jail. This speaking began as a healing process and has now become a one-person campaign to spread the word about the warning signs, and to let everyone know they deserve respect and should leave an unhealthy relationship before it is too late. I have been on most local news shows and NBC’s Today Show as well as in newspapers and People Magazine. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award will enable me to train others that are interested in spreading the word and develop a speakers group to better get the message out into the community.

Shelby Layne (Pacific Palisades)

Live Buy Give: Saving the Families of Darfur

I began my project Live Buy Give in May of 2006 with the belief that I could no longer stand idly by while the atrocities in Darfur persisted. Upon learning about the Solar Cooker Project of Jewish World Watch whereby $30 saves a family by providing two solar-powered stoves, I knew I had to take action. The stoves obviate the need for the women to leave the protection of the refugee camps in Darfur to collect firewood, which is when mothers and daughters are raped and beaten. The women are trained how to make the stoves, which gives them a skill and provides them with a source of income. I began making fine jewelry in preparation for my first sale in September 2006 where my proceeds went to the Solar Cooker Project. I also realized I had jewelry that was still in very good condition but that I no longer wore. So, I sent out a letter to family and friends informing them of the situation in Darfur and asking for jewelry donations.

After multiple jewelry sales, fundraisers, and monetary donations, I have now raised over $32,000. This money has helped to purchase more than 2,100 solar powered stoves, saving over 1,050 families. I also met with former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle and in April 2008 held a fundraising screening of his powerful documentary The Devil Came on Horseback, at Universal Studios. As a member of the Jewish World Watch Speaker’s Bureau, I speak to high school students, temple youth groups, and girl scouts throughout the Los Angeles area about the Darfur atrocities and what these students can do to become involved. In September 2007 I was asked to serve as a member on the Jewish World Watch Board of Directors.