We’re thrilled to share that tomorrow night, a pioneering philanthropist whose vision, drive and heart strengthens communities across the nation will be awarded Liberty Hill Foundation’s 2018 Founders Award, Levitt Foundation Board President Liz Levitt Hirsch. She is an engaged changemaker in her city and country who embodies the theme of this year’s Liberty Hill gala, “Justice begins at home.”

The Liberty Hill Foundation has served as an epicenter for social justice in Los Angeles since 1976. Through innovative programming, Liberty Hill empowers Angelenos to come together to make Los Angeles a national model for a peaceful and prosperous future. For more than 40 years, this inspiring foundation has celebrated leaders on the frontlines of change. This year, Liz will be honored alongside the iconic civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, who’ll be receiving the Upton Sinclair Award for his lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights for all Americans.

Liz is honored to be recognized by Liberty Hill, as social impact is at the forefront of the Levitt Foundation’s work. In a recent Liberty Hill interview she explained, “It puts the Levitt Foundation in the category of social justice. We are about the arts. We are about community. We are about inclusion. We are about diversity.” Recognizing the arts as a vehicle for social change, Liz believes that people of all ages, backgrounds and economic circumstances should have opportunities to come together and experience high-quality performances. Liz has dedicated the past 20 years to increasing access to such experiences, empowering more communities each year to come together through the power of free Levitt concerts—including 26 towns and cities in 2018! Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Liz has experienced her contagious passion for the Levitt Foundation’s mission and seen that the Foundation’s core values of inclusivity, connection and access reflect those of her own.

In addition to her role as Board President of the Levitt Foundation, Liz has served on the boards of a number of arts nonprofits, including The Joffrey Ballet, Dance Camera West and Los Angeles Master Chorale; and she currently serves on the boards of Center Dance Arts (founding board member) and My Friend’s Place (formerly Hollywood Arts, founding board member). Tomorrow evening’s tremendous honor celebrates the nationwide impact of Liz’s visionary leadership and her unshakable belief in the transformative power music.

Here’s to you, Liz!