May 17, 2026, we will be holding the 12th Annual Mid Island Day Camp Howie Levy 5K fundraiser at Eisenhower Park!
Howie Levy spent many summers as a dedicated employee of the Mid Island Y JCC Day Camp. He was a very special individual who touched the lives of many staff and children during his time as a staff member and member of our JCC. Sadly, we lost Howie to Pancreatic Cancer in 2009. In his memory, we will be holding the Howie Levy Cross Country 5K.
Howie spent each summer working with families, many of whom could not afford to send their children to camp without a camp scholarship. Each summer the Mid Island Y JCC gives as many scholarships as it can to families in need in our community. This amazing event will truly honor what Howie loved to do while helping raise funds to help battle the type of cancer that took Howie from us. This event will be a fundraiser for both the Howie Levy Camp Scholarship Fund and Pancreatic Cancer Research.
We are asking you to help by attending and/or sponsoring this event. A tax-deductible sponsorship from you will demonstrate your commitment to the community; to finding a cure for this terrible disease, and helping send children to camp. Thank you!
This year we will be honoring Jeffrey Cohen:
Jeff Cohen is a proud Long Island native who has called Plainview home for 22 years. A graduate of the University at Buffalo, he has worked in pharmaceutical sales for nearly 30 years and also founded a home inspection company 18 years ago.
Jeff’s connection to the Mid Island Y JCC runs deep. Since joining when he and his wife, Jodi, moved to Plainview, the JCC has been their family’s home away from home. Their children, Hunter and Faith, grew up there — attending preschool, playing sports, dancing, and spending summers at camp. Jeff has also been actively involved, from swimming regularly to captaining the Aqua Run team, earning the Spirit Award each year he competed.
Running has been a lifelong passion. A former high school cross-country and track captain, Jeff now runs alongside his wife and children, completing races from 5Ks to triathlons. For him, running offers connection, reflection, and balance.
The Howie Levy 5K holds special meaning. Jeff has helped plan and run the race for 13 years and values its support of camp scholarships and pancreatic cancer research. A former “Y” camper himself, he understands the lasting impact camp can have. Being named the 2026 Howie Levy 5K Honoree is both humbling and meaningful.
Raised in a family devoted to community service, Jeff has carried those values into his own life — coaching youth sports, helping lead the PAL basketball program, and staying active in local initiatives. Wellness, family, and giving back remain at the center of everything he does.
Jeff is deeply honored to be recognized, seeing this moment not as a personal achievement, but as a celebration of the community he is proud to serve.
Proceeds to Benefit the Howie Levy Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund at the Mid-Island Y JCC and Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Registration fees are used toward race expenses and cannot be returned once you sign up.
