Assemblyman Fong Announces JJ's Legacy as the 34th Assembly District's 2021 Nonprofit of the Year

Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County) recognized JJ's Legacy as the 34th Assembly District's Nonprofit of the Year for their commitment to save lives. JJ's Legacy educates Kern County residents on the value and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Their goal is to increase the number of registered donors and provide compassionate support to donor and recipient families.

"It is a privilege to be able to honor JJ's Legacy for the incredible work they do in our community that gives the gift of life to others," said Fong. "JJ's Legacy has not only provided education on organ donation, but has gone beyond their core mission to serve families in need during the pandemic through food boxes and gas cards."

Assemblyman Fong added, "This organization has allowed for life saving transplants to take place that have provided others a second chance at life."

Following her son Jeffery John's passing, Lori Malkin founded JJ's Legacy in 2010. The donation of Jeffery's organs and tissues saved the lives of five people in need of organ transplants and healed 50 others. Inspired by the miracles of organ donation, Malkin sought to educate the youth of Kern County high schools about the opportunity to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.

"The mission behind JJ's Legacy has positively impacted our community and we are so proud of the work we have done," said Ms. Lori Malkin. "We are truly overjoyed to be receiving this recognition by Assemblyman Vince Fong. We are grateful to have his unwavering support."

To date, approximately 500 students have gone through the Got the Dot program and over 150 have registered to be donors.

The sixth annual California Nonprofits Day was hosted by California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). Nonprofit honorees will be recognized statewide.

Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 34th Assembly District, encompassing most of Kern County including the communities of Bakersfield, Bear Valley Springs, China Lake, Frazier Park, Golden Hills, Inyokern, Lebec, Oildale, Ridgecrest, Taft and Tehachapi.