“It is what it is.”
For 49 years, Walden Family Services has pioneered specialized foster care and adoption services for children, youth, and families throughout Southern California. Leslie Levinson and her husband Jim are long-time donors and supporters of Walden Family Services. Leslie is also the Chairman of the Board for Walden Family Services.
#1 Where were you born?
Leslie Levinson – I was born in Maryland, and my dad was in the navy, so we moved around but I have spent most of my life in San Diego.
Jim – I was born in New York, but the family moved to the Bay area when I was a toddler. We moved to San Diego when I was in middle school.
#2 What is your favorite travel destination?
We love to travel and like to visit Maui yearly but love Europe as well.
#3 Do you have any upcoming trips?
In the next year we are going to Bora Bora which has always been on our list.
#4 What is your Favorite Movie?
Leslie – I love Hallmark movies during the holiday season.
Jim – Pulp Fiction.
#5 Do you have a Favorite Book?
Leslie – All the Light you Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Jim – Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty.
#6 Do you have any pets?
We just brought home our new puppy – he is a Bernie doodle named Rockie.
#7 What are your Hobbies?
Leslie – Pilates, travel, reading, and always spending time with family.
Jim – Music, motor sports, general sports and rock tumbling.
#8 Who is someone that has positively impacted your life?
Leslie – I met Beth Lennon, who was a nun, when she was a board member at the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation. She was a tireless advocate for children in many ways.
Jim – Ernie Droneburg, former Chairman of the Board of Equalization and County Assessor, showed me the importance of life in public service and pushed me to take on many new challenges.
#9 Why is it important for you to give back?
We have been blessed with advantages due to our education at SDSU, our supportive families and hard work which created many opportunities. By sharing with the community, we hope to create similar opportunities for the next generation, especially children who may have had a challenging start in life.
#10 How can people help Walden Family Services?
It has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact Walden has in our community. We are also profoundly moved by generous donors, like Maryanne and Harley Sefton, whose continued generosity makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth and families Walden serves. Their $50,000 matching gift this holiday season is an amazing way to inspire others to give and get involved.
