Ruthjoy Levanthal
For her 90th birthday, Ruthjoy Leventhal requested “absolutely no gifts” from family and friends — but asked that each make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation where she has served as a volunteer for many years making wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. And her wish was granted - and granted - and granted again.
The lively and spirited nonagenarian turned 90 (that’s what you call someone between the ages of 90 and 99) on Nov. 10. The Rockville resident is in good health, attends Minyan at 7:15 a.m. every morning at B’Nai Israel Congregation, plays bridge and canasta with friends, drives her own car and possesses the energy and vitality of much younger people. When asked her secret to long life and good health, she said, “It’s a gift from God. I don’t eat well and don’t exercise, but I keep my mind active, attend services and spend time with family and friends. That must be the secret; I feel very blessed.”
Leventhal was born in St. Louis in 1924 and her parents moved to Washington D.C. when she was 6 months old. “I grew up here in Washington, D.C. but spent almost every summer in St. Louis with my grandmother,” she said. “Grandma tried to marry me off to a St. Louis gentleman the summer after I graduated from high school. Instead, I eloped with a dapper serviceman, Paul Livingston who was from D.C.” The couple had three children, John, Scott and Amy (Musher) and five grandchildren.
Leventhal began volunteering at the Make-A-Wish Foundation 15 years ago with her friend Elaine Taylor. She found visiting the children and families and making their wishes happen to be one of the most rewarding activities of her life.
“It was such an inspiration to be able to visit the families and help them with everything they needed to fulfill each child’s dream. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity that I want to give back to this organization that makes such a difference to a child and his or her family,” she said.
Through her birthday wish, she is once again making a difference for the organization. “I wish everyone could have a birthday like I did today,” she said. “It began with everyone at my synagogue singing Happy Birthday to me – inside the Chapel where there is not supposed to be singing. Then I was given the gift of carrying the Torah – and then, everyone donated to Make-a-Wish in my honor. They also announced that I have been to services 3,000 times – can you believe that? I was overwhelmed by their generosity and the recognition.
“My three children took me to fabulous lunch at the new restaurant at the top of the Hotel Washington in a limousine. We had a beautiful lunch – and my son shared with me that his colleagues and friends had donated $2,000 in honor of my birthday to Make-a-Wish. Again, I was overwhelmed and so pleased. My children also donated as have many friends. And I have my photo in the Washington Post today asking for donations and thanking those who have already donated. Make-a-Wish called me three times today to say how thrilled they are – and what a good idea I had. I am so happy that everyone is making my wish come true by making wishes happen for these deserving children and their families. Thank you to all my friends, families – and all of you who have given the gift of a wish to a sick child.”
To donate, mail checks to: Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, 5272 River Road, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20816 ATTN: Ruthjoy’s Request. For more information, visit www.ruthjoysrequest.com.