Philanthropist Liz Levitt will be honored at the Empowering HeARTS Fundraiser in Santa Clarita, California in recognition of her efforts to bring communities together with free concerts.

The event benefits the Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita and celebrates women who have changed lives and shaped their communities. Taking place on November 19, 2011 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, the event features an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, art and live music centered around the “Breaking Barriers” theme.

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“I’m a strong believer in the power of music to lift the human spirit and give hope,” said Ms. Levitt, “especially during difficult life transitions like a death or divorce. The mission of Single Mothers Outreach through this event is inspirational and I am very honored to be recognized tonight.”

Liz Levitt spearheads the Mortimer Levitt Foundation’s venture philanthropy program and serves as Board President of Levitt Pavilions, a national non-profit organization that partners with cities to develop local outdoor amphitheaters, providing free live concerts to communities across the nation.

Her involvement in the Levitt Pavilions program has captured the attention of audiences and inspired leadership in communities across the country. Her extraordinary passion for music makes her an inspiration to women everywhere.

Levitt Pavilions builds community by inspiring and connecting friends, families and neighbors from all walks of life together to experience the joy of music in a beautiful green outdoor gathering space. The local concerts feature acclaimed emerging artists to seasoned GRAMMY® award-winners. Through a venture philanthropy model, Levitt Pavilions partners with cities to develop local pavilions, across the nation.

Ms. Levitt continues to carry on the mission of her father and his foundation, the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting music, dance, the arts and educational institutions.   She also has a long and distinguished history of hands-on involvement with charitable works and serves on numerous nonprofit boards that foster social justice and access to the arts such as Hollywood Arts and Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA).  Since moving to Los Angeles in 1974, the native New Yorker has been involved with The Joffrey Ballet, the Los Angeles Music Center, Center Dance Arts, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.  Her primary focus is to develop the Levitt program across the country.

In 2011 Ms. Levitt was Guest of Honor at The Joyce benefit in New York City; in 2009 finalist for the Philanthropist of the Year by Association of Fundraising Professionals, Los Angeles; in 2008 Philanthropy Award from the Gabrielle Axelrad Foundation; and in 2003 Certificate of Commendation from California State Assembly/Carol Liu.

Liz is best known for is her ability to connect and inspire like-minded people and for always directing her life-long passion for the arts and music into a source for social change that contributes to community strength.

Single Mothers Outreach was founded in 1995 as a support and resource for single mothers struggling through the effects of divorce or death of a spouse. Since that time, over 1,700 families have been served. Their second annual Empowering HeARTS Gala and Arts exhibit celebrates women, art and community. A local artist will capture the essence of each honoree and her story through photography, sculpture or in a painting. A grand prize will be awarded for the most compelling story.  Following the unveiling of the 2011 Collection at the Gala Event, the entire collection will travel to the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall to be put on public display.

About Levitt Pavilions:

Levitt Pavilions is a national non-profit organization that through a venture philanthropy model, partners with cities to develop local pavilions, providing free live concerts to communities across the nation. There are currently six Levitt pavilions across the U.S., collectively providing free music to over 500,000 people each year by offering 300 concerts in Los Angeles and Pasadena, Calif., Westport, Conn., Memphis, Tenn., Arlington, Texas and Bethlehem, Pa. Levitt Pavilions is dedicated to inspiring and strengthening communities by bringing people of all backgrounds together through the universal language and rhythm of music. For more information on how Levitt Pavilions can bring free live music to you and your community, please visit www.LevittPavilions.org.