Jesse Itzler keynotes community campaign event

The dynamic Jesse Itzler is known to push himself beyond his comfort zone and has been doing so since day one. A New York native, he is a natural entrepreneur who has dabbled in the worlds of music, brand incubation, and sports much of his life.  Itzler’s search for mental strength and integrity has come in many forms, all while preserving his Jewish identity and serving as inspiration for so many as  he strives to continuously better himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Itzler will share his inspirational message on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Jewish Alliance’s 2017 Annual Campaign Event co-chaired by couples Mynde and Gary Siperstein and Bethany and Richard Sutton. This community event will take place at Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

“We are so looking forward to hearing from a true Jewish renaissance man. Itzler’s entrepreneurial spirit and thirst for life will surely energize us all and challenge us to be our very best,” said co-chairs Mynde and Gary Siperstein.

Vice Chair of Philanthropy Jamie Pious looks forward to the event as well. “We’re thrilled to be hosting such a dynamic speaker whom we know will appeal to the majority of our Rhode Island Jewish community. He has a broad range of professional and personal experiences so it’ll be easy to relate to and learn from his presentation.”

Itzler graduated from American University in 1990 with a degree in Justice, Law, and Society. His journey post-graduation led him to Delicious Vinyl Records, signing as a lyricist, composer, and artist, He released songs and albums for both movies and professional sports teams, including the New York Knicks.

In 1996, Itzler co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records – a company that has since become well-known for its songs intermixed with historic sports calls and highlights for teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks. Itzler sold the company in 1998 to SFX, a label that works exclusively with global electronic music.

In 2001, Itzler continued his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Marquis Jet, now one of the largest private jet card companies worldwide. “Itzler is clearly a man of many talents and so diverse in his interests. We look forward to hearing him speak and we know his voice will surely resonate with the younger Jewish community and our peers,” said co-chairs Bethany and Richard Sutton.

A decade later Itzler entered a USA Ultra Marathon Championship, running 100 miles in Texas in less than 24 hours and raising money for his top 10 favorite charities, one of being Rishon Letzion, Israel. During this run, Itzler also raised $1M for Colel Chabad, a Chabad-Lubavitch organization focused on social welfare. With that money, the organization built a new educational center for underprivileged children, featuring extended-hours daycare and a preschool. This run dubbed Itzler the “100-mile man.”

Susan Froehlich, vice chair of philanthropy, said, “With Super Sunday having kicked off the Annual Campaign on Sept. 18, there is more energy than ever. Itzler’s run serves as a metaphor for this momentum. This event is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate teamwork and collaboration and what better way to do it than by hosting someone who puts his all into fundraising and good causes?”

In the late 2000s, Itzler, inspired by his newfound nickname, created a brand incubator and accelerator named the 100-Mile Group. During this venture, the 100-Mile Group formed a partnership with Zico Coconut Water and the Coca Cola Company.

Most recently, Itzler and his wife, Spanx founder Sarah Blakely, along with others, bought the Atlanta Hawks. It was then that Itzler released his book, “Living With a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet,” in which he recounts living with a Navy SEAL for a month trial, serving to strengthen his mental and physical integrity and agility.

Grab a copy of Itzler’s book and prepare yourself for a very special evening. A pre-reception for Pacesetters, Lions of Judah, and Silver Circle donors is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. A Double Chai Society pre-reception is set for 6 p.m. For more information on this event or to RSVP, please contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org  or 401-421-4111, ext. 165, or visit jewishallianceri.org.

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in the philanthropy department at the Jewish Alliance.