Local DJ donates his skills to benefit philanthropy drives
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

BRIAN PIERRO/Special to The Acorn STEP RIGHT UP- Joe Hecht, right, works the crowd before the bidding ends on some silent auction items at a fundraising event for Willow Elementary School held at The Canyon club on Saturday. Hecht's business, Time of Your Life! Event Entertainment, is in demand for benefits and parties.

Attend a Conejo Valley community fundraiser or schoolrelated event and you're likely to see Joe Hecht working the microphone.

Hecht volunteers his services as a master of ceremonies to help a variety of worthy causes such as Chabad of the Conejo's Friendship Walk, the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles golf tournament benefit, the Westlake Village city celebration, the Many Mansions duck race, and White Oak Elementary's jog-athon.

"There are always those we turn to, those of us in the philanthropic world, to ask for favors, for contributions, and those people come through for us. Very few come through with the enthusiasm of Joe," said Rabbi Moshe Bryski, excutive director of Chabad of the Conejo. "His spirit that comes along with his giving . . . he is a remarkable human being."

Hecht's Westlake Villagebased business, Time of Your Life, is well-known on the bar/ bat mitzvah, wedding and party circuit, but he is equally popular for his work in the nonprofit arena.

"Joe is the most personable, warm person. The teachers and kids love him," said Leslie Heilbron, principal for Oak Hills Elementary in Oak Park, where Hecht helps out during the Back to School picnic and Red Ribbon Week activities.

"Joe is awesome. He has been very generous with his time, equipment and talent helping us raise money for Childrens Hospital by emceeing and providing entertainment for our annual golf tournament," said Mitch Rosenberg, a golf tournament organizer. "His energy, attitude and humor are a great asset."

Surprisingly, Hecht admits that he often gets nervous before emceeing a party or event.

"I don't go in there thinking it's a slam dunk. I think about what I can do to keep people energized and how I can promote a fun, interesting element," Hecht said.

To make an event successful, Hecht works hard at "reading" the crowd. When kids and adults are present, Hecht tries to figure out how "bridge that generational gap" and get the adults and kids involved together.

"Just seeing people enjoying their lives at that moment is one of the most rewarding experiences," Hecht said.

Hecht, who grew up in South Florida, credits his parents with instilling in him the importance of philanthropy. His father owned nightclubs and the family was involved in several charities including the March of Dimes, the Optimist Club and the Jaycees, and they often took orphans to Miami Dolphins football games.

Hecht moved to Los Angeles in 1981. During the late '80s he began providing DJ services to Conejo middle schools for their dances. After moving to Oak Park in 1990 he also began supporting the community's elementary schools during Red Ribbon Week, an anti-drug awareness program. He now lives in Westlake Village.

"My belief is that there's no better place to put your time and money than into your children," said Hecht, whose son, Jesse, is now 24.

Born prematurely, Jesse spent nearly four months in Tarzana Regional Medical Center. In 2001, the hospital held a reunion of premature babies born at Tarzana, their families and hospital staff. Hecht was there both as a parent and an emcee, playing music and entertaining the crowd.

In the mid-'90s Hecht began working with record companies to edit foul language from the popular music often requested by children at the parties and events he emcees.

"It has to do with disapproval as a parent about the content of some of what our kids are listening to," Hecht said. "It's not necessary to have that kind of message sent out."

He believes that music content has improved with songs more readily edited by record companies.

Five years ago Hecht helped found the DJ Think Tank to provide support to those who serve as master of ceremonies and DJs nationwide. The group, which numbers about 50 members, meets several times a year for conferences that address such issues as how to become involved in charitable causes.

"I guess giving is receiving. I just always loved doing it," Hecht said. "I just think, 'What can I do to help?'"