Teen Changemaker Raises $1,626 for Smile Farms Through Community-Powered Fundraiser

Jericho, NY, January 13, 2026. On January 8, 14-year-old Jake Hershkowitz, joined by his mother, Kelly Hershkowitz, Smile Farms supporter Jude Rozenveld, her husband Jan, and son Christian, gathered with the Smile Farms team at the Jericho headquarters to celebrate Jake’s inspiring achievement.

Jake proudly presented a $1,626 donation in support of Smile Farms’ mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Jake’s donation exceeded his original goal of $1,500 and was raised through his independent service project, Faceoff for the Future, developed as part of his role as a Young Ambassador for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation. Selected from more than 100 applicants, Jake was one of just 12 students chosen to design and lead a service initiative aligned with a cause close to their heart.

Jake’s connection to Smile Farms began with a chance encounter months earlier. Kelly Hershkowitz first learned about the organization through a spontaneous interaction with Smile Farms supporter Jude Rozenveld at a bagel store in Syosset, New York, after Jude noticed Kelly’s older son, Ryan, reacting joyfully to the music playing in the shop.

Ryan said, “This music made my day,” Jude recalled, and she spontaneously responded, “You just made my day.”

Jude and Kelly struck up a conversation, during which Jude shared her involvement with Smile Farms. They exchanged phone numbers, but it wasn’t until eight months later, while cleaning out her desk drawer, that Kelly rediscovered Jude’s contact information.

“That moment felt like it was meant to be,” said Kelly. “I suggested to Jake that Smile Farms would be a wonderful organization to support.”

Inspired by his older brother Ryan, who was born with Williams syndrome, Jake launched Faceoff for the Future to support organizations like Smile Farms that expand inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Faceoff for the Future fundraising event took place on October 4 at Tappen Beach Rink in Sea Cliff during the North Shore PAL Games. Jake credits the experience with helping him grow, particularly by overcoming his fear of public speaking.

A highlight of the year, he shared, was presenting his project at the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation Young Ambassadors’ end-of-year celebration to fellow Young Ambassadors and his role model, Henrik Lundqvist.

Through his project, Jake built strong community partnerships with generous local sponsors, including Schmackary’s, Pacific Street Pizza, Lester’s, Bout Boxing, Headrush Salon NY, and Mathnasium of Roslyn.

Jake likes to “think big.” He also shared his interest in addressing food insecurity and hopes to host a larger, even more impactful event in October 2026, raising additional funds for Smile Farms and other causes close to his heart.

Jake extends heartfelt thanks to his mom for her guidance and support, as well as for helping connect him to Smile Farms. Together, they look forward to visiting several Smile Farms locations this spring.

“At just 14 years old, Jake Hershkowitz exemplifies youth leadership, compassion, and the power of community connections to create lasting impact,” said Steve McDermott, Managing Director of Smile Farms. “We are deeply grateful to Jake, his mom, and the Rozenveld family for their passionate support of Smile Farms.”

About Smile Farms

Smile Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Long Island and New York City.

For more information, visit www.smilefarms.org.