Leah Levenson, Congregation B’nai Amoona

Leah Levenson’s father has Crohn’s disease, so it was natural for her to support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America-Mid America Chapter (CCFA) for her mitzvah project. Her parents, Stefanie and David Levenson of Clayton, have been supporting this organization on both a local and national level for quite some time.

In addition to volunteering in the local CCFA office and helping with the chapter’s big events by stuffing gift bags, Leah participated in the events as well. She was a greeter at the registration table at the Take Steps walk. She was also the captain of her team, Game of Crohns. The Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis walk is the nation’s largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. 

Leah’s fundraising efforts brought in more than $1,100 for her CCFA walk team through donations and by selling pasta through the Fun Pasta Fundraising website. Most of the products are kosher and themed with fun, athletic team logos. 

For the past two years, Leah and her friends were table runners at CCFA’s annual trivia night. They helped deliver drinks and picked up answer sheets. And, in November, Leah will volunteer in the office preparing for CCFA’s Casino Night.

“CCFA is so important to our family, and I knew that it would be my bat mitzvah project,” Leah said. “I see how hard it is to have Crohn’s and I know every dollar I raise is a dollar closer to a cure.”

A student at Wydown Middle School, Leah also supported the Friends of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). She was inspired after a meet and greet with   soldiers during a family trip to Israel last year. Leah designed blue and white rubber swirl bracelets with the logo STL   IDF. She sold them during the family trivia event at B’nai Amoona to friends and family, raising $100. She has a goal of $250 and will continue selling them this fall.