Seven Southern Arizona organizations and individuals have agreed to be joint presenting sponsors of the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games® hosted by the Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson J). The Games are expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors and contribute more than $4 million in economic impact to the region.
The presenting sponsors include the Diamond Foundation, Rancho Sahuarita, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA), Lapan Sunshine Foundation, The Anne and David Hameroff Donor Advised Fund and two anonymous donors.
The weeklong Games will showcase an Olympic-style sports competition, including Maccabi Access for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Another important component will include youth development and community-building to promote teamwork, leadership and lifelong friendships. Hundreds of coaches, delegation heads and spectators from around the country and the world will come to Tucson to compete in multiple venues across the city. Eighty to 100 local Jewish teens are expected to participate on Tucson’s team.
Donations to support this important community event are appreciated at any level. For more information contact Fran Katz, Tucson J Chief Development Director, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org.
The Diamond Foundation has been making generous grants to a wide range of important local causes for nearly 60 years.
Helaine Levy, President of the Diamond Foundation, said, “The Diamond Foundation values the Maccabi Games’ goal of bringing together Jewish youth for athletic competition, socializing, community service and camaraderie. Our family has had two members participate in past games and has hosted participants in our home. Jewish people around the world are facing challenging times and the Games are an opportunity to bring joy and lasting memories for the participants, their coaches and family members.”
Rancho Sahuarita, a successful planned community in Pima County, has a long appreciation for and history of building community.
“We are very proud to be supporting this year’s return of the Maccabi Games to Tucson,” said Jeremy Sharpe, Managing Partner for Rancho Sahuarita. “The Maccabi Games represents dedication, teamwork, community, and the importance of coming together for something greater. So much of that is reflected in what Rancho Sahuarita stands for, and so to be able to take part in this event and share the spirit behind the games with our greater community is a perfect fit.”
JPSA can trace its roots back to 1947 and a history filled with helping others in our Tucson community.
“We are thrilled to be a presenting sponsor of the upcoming Tucson JCC Maccabi Games,” said Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, President and CEO of JPSA. “Having participated in the Maccabi Games as a teenager, as a parent, and as a host family, I know firsthand the incredible impact these games have on young Jews and the community-at-large. The JCC Maccabi Games are more than a competition—they are a celebration of Jewish pride, community, and connection. The friendships and memories formed here last a lifetime, and we are proud to play a part in fostering these experiences for the next generation”
2025 also is a big year for the Games at the Tucson J.
“The 2025 Maccabi Games also will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the last time Tucson hosted this exceptional event,” said Todd Rockoff, Tucson J President and CEO. “We are very proud that the J is the town square of our community and has served in that role for nearly 70 years. The Games offer a wonderful way for people of all faiths and interests to come together and applaud the sportsmanship and leadership of this youth event and to showcase this beautiful place we’re all blessed to call home. We welcome the community’s support. ”
There will be a significant need for local volunteers to put on the Games, Rockoff added, including coaching, logistics, and families to host the exceptional young athletes.
To learn more about the 2025 Tucson Maccabi Games, contact jccmaccabi2025@tucsonjcc.org or visit www.jccmaccabitucson.com.