Forever 9 fundraiser

The Forever 9 - Robbie Levine Foundation recently held a fundraiser gala at the East Meadow Jewish Center. From left, Bob Samuels, president of the Merrick P.A.L., Laurie Samuels and Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg joined Craig and Jill Levine, founders of the organization.

The Robbie Levine Foundation was founded to honor the memory of Robbie Levine, a Merrick 9-year-old who died suddenly in 2005 when his heart stopped while running the bases after a Little League game. A defibrillator was not available on the scene. His parents, Craig and Jill, formed the organization to increase awareness of the need for defibrillators in youth athletics and to foster Robbie's love of sports.

Denenberg presented a county citation to the Levines at the fundraiser commending them for their efforts.