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Community Corner

Jeremy Forman, an Inspired Hero

This 18-year-old high school senior learned how to give by example and hopes that others will follow suit.

Some heroes are born; some are made. And then there are those who learn by example.

This week’s Hometown Hero is Jeremy Forman, named 2009 Outstanding Youth Volunteer by the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Remarkable teenager

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The 18-year-old senior from is all about giving and compassion. From an early age, the concept of philanthropy had been inculcated into the minds of the three Forman children.

Dad, Scott, a Warner Brothers executive, is an active member of Variety–The Children’s Charity, a non-profit group composed of entertainment industry executives. Variety is committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Southern California.

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The younger Forman's childhood recollections are not of amusement park trips or lavish gifts, but of regular trips to the Boys and Girls Club in Boyle Heights, a Variety beneficiary.

“My dad was definitely an early influence and inspiration in my life,” said Forman, who felt it was just natural that he follow in his dad’s footsteps and set up his own charity.

“He also taught me and my siblings the importance of gratitude,” he said.

New generation of philanthropists

In 2007, when Forman was just a high school freshman, he and his dad co-founded Jr. Variety. The new generation of philanthropists is committed to the same ideals as its parent organization–to inspire hope, enrich lives and build a better future for the children of Southern California.

Twelve teenagers from various Ventura and L.A. County high schools sit on the board of Jr. Variety, including Forman, who is outgoing president. Sister Felicia, a high school freshman, is also a Jr. Variety board member. The youngest of the brood, Bailey, 11, is also showing signs of interest by participating in some of Jr. Variety’s recent fundraisers.

Since its inception, Jr. Variety has raised over $225,000 for various charities, including Ride-On Therapeutic Horsemanship, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Alliance and Camp Harmony.

The latter seems to have a special spot in Forman’s heart, as he described the homeless, abused, poverty-stricken teens and pre-teens from the L.A. area that they helped send to winter camp. “The Camp Harmony kids are close to our ages so it was a good fit,” he said.

In April, they held their biggest fundraiser of the year– at . “It was really a collaborative effort,” Forman said.

Passing of the torch

While the three fundraising events per year helps them meet their goals, Forman also credits relentless personal appeals and generous corporate sponsorships for making up the difference. “I hope their generosity continues,” he said, as he prepares for another phase in his life.

This fall, Forman will be entering the University of Colorado at Boulder and will be majoring in business. He is confident that the new crop of volunteers will carry on his young but promising legacy. 

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