via press release

Stuart, Florida – The Kavovit Family today announced the launch of the 15 For Life Foundation in honor of Robert Kavovit who passed away in March at age 45. By opening dialog in a fresh and honest way, 15 For Life’s mission is to better equip people of all ages by helping them understand and recognize depression and mental illness potentially affecting themselves, family and/or friends. The foundation’s website is 15ForLife.org 

15 For Life’s goal in its first year will be to speak directly to 15,000 people through its “On The Field” program, a grassroots, real-talk initiative focused on mental wellness. The organization will also work to gather 1.5 million “Pledge Seconds” through the rollout of a “15 Second Pledge” social media campaign. A video introducing the campaign can be viewed on 15 For Life’s website and its YouTube channel.  

“Rob was an All-American father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, coach, and lacrosse player,” said Andrew Kavovit, Rob’s brother. “Our family wants to carry the torch of the 15 For Life Foundation to shed the shame and embarrassment around depression and mental wellness. Through awareness and learning, we believe people can have a better ability to help themselves as well as those around them.” 

Kavovit, a native of Yorktown Heights, New York, was a resident of Stuart, Florida where he worked as a physical therapist, coached high school and youth lacrosse, and lived with his wife and two sons. He was an All-American lacrosse player at Yorktown High School and Syracuse University. Throughout his playing career Rob wore the number 15 because it represented his family of siblings, the one girl and five boys that make up the Kavovits.  

Next year the foundation will be establishing its “15 Sticks Scholarship” starting with the Yorktown High School lacrosse program. After each game, a player selected by coaches and players will receive the “15 Sticks” award for demonstrating Rob’s qualities. They will receive a custom number 15 lacrosse stick to be in their possession until the next game. The player that earns the most 15 Sticks recognitions during the season will be awarded the scholarship.

The Kavovits will be hosting the inaugural 15 For Life Family BBQ and Golf Outing on August 23 at Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, New York. For details and registration information, visit 15ForLife.org/BBQandGolf 

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Chris Daley, Principal

Whirlaway, LLC

410-808-7694

LinkedIn:WhirlawayAgency.com