Magic of Life Gala Chairs Named

LifeBridge Health is proud to name Joseph Cooper and Jon Levinson of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. and John Shmerler, co-owner of Radcliffe Jewelers, as the chairs of the 2010 Magic of Life Gala, which is scheduled to be held Saturday, June 5 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

“We are pleased that these three prominent businessmen have agreed to preside over our biggest fundraising event,” says Warren Green, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health.
“Each is recognized for his strong commitment to improving life for people in need, which includes many years of dedicated service to LifeBridge Health and its centers.”

Cooper is a principal of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. He has been a significant
fundraiser for decades. He has devoted more than 25 years to Sinai Hospital and LifeBridge Health and is currently on both Boards of Directors. He also supports THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and Israel Bonds.

Levinson is executive vice president at Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. He tirelessly lends his fund raising experience and auctioneer skills for educational, artistic and health care endeavors, which incorporates his work on the Sinai Hospital Board of Directors. He has twice served as co-chair to The Magic of Life Gala. He is a former chairman of THE ASSOCIATED’s annual campaign and is a current board member. Levinson was past chair of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra gala and presently is a BSO board member. In 2002, he chaired The North American Maccabi Games.

Shmerler staunchly supports a variety of health causes. He is a member of the Sinai Hospital Board of Directors and a former board member of the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, he raises money for a wide range of cancer charities.

The 2010 gala is the sixth Magic of Life event, since the inception of LifeBridge Health in 1998. It has consistently earned the distinction of being one of the largest one-day nonprofit fundraisers in Baltimore history, raising millions of dollars for projects at Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital and Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (formerly Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home).