Thousands of people of all ages gathered for the 6th annual Friendship Walk to support Friendship Circle in S. Diego CA, in collaboration with the S. Diego Jewish Federation, on Sunday April 21, 2013.
Once again the S. Diego Jewish Federation, together with the Friendship Circle of S. Diego, joined together to support the Friendship Walk, which opened a grand community celebration for Israel @ 65, at the Noble Athletic Field in La Jolla CA.
Clowns and animal characters added to the fun of the day and kept everyone happily entertained during registration. Berni Kurtin, a Friendship Circle teen, started the opening ceremony by leading everyone in singing the Star Spangled Banner.
To begin the walk, Dave Roberts, S. Diego County Supervisor, Michael Sonduck, CEO of the Jewish Federation, and Casey Latz, a teen friend cut the ribbon. Daniela Hirschhorn with her volunteers Nicole Eichner and Dana Glaser all blew starting whistles.
“The event was a wonderful Kiddush Hashem and Kiddush Chabad,” said Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Shliach in Poway, CA, and founder of the S. Diego Friendship Circle. “This was a true milestone in the S. Diego Jewish community to witness the collaboration of the Friendship Circle and the United Jewish Federation.”
Mr. Michael M. Sonduck, the head of the Federation was honored with others for the walk ribbon-cutting. Sonduck was so touched by the outpouring of support from the S. Diego Jewish community that he wrote a personal card the very next day thanking the Friendship Circle and Chabad for bringing the Friendship Walk to S. Diego, and wrote that all he can say is how “fantastic” the events were and expressed his gratitude, and expressed the hope that the event would set a precedent among other Jewish Federations.
The goal of the walk was to raise funding and awareness for the Friendship Circle, a program that provides friendship for children with special needs.
“Many parents expressed their gratitude for the day dedicated to their children,” said Mrs. Elisheva Green, director and co-founder of The Friendship Circle. “To watch hundreds of people coming to show their support for your child and your family is truly amazing. So many volunteers give of their time to make this program possible and so many more were responsible for the success of this important event.”
A grandparent just wrote: “I have known you for about three years now, and would like to commend you on your unselfish efforts that you are giving to your children. Ordinary parents do not realize or understand how much love, work, time, and devotion it takes to care for a special needs child. We have watched how you are doing an excellent job, and we would like to congratulate you. We wish you all the best, and may G-d bless you.”
Special thanks to Chaya M. Cohen and Muskie Colman who are spending their shlichus year assisting Friendship Circle S, Diego for doing such a fantastic time in rallying all the teen ages and their families to join the walk and for a incredible year in helping so many children and families with special needs and all the programing throughout the year.
Friendship Walk S. Diego has raised over $80,000 towards their goal of $100,000 needed for The Friendship Circle programming.
The Friendship Circle had a contest for families to submit their favorite Friendship Circle photo with a caption about why they love Friendship Circle. The best ones were enlarged to life size posters which were posted along the walk route. After the walk, the Jewish Federation hosted a festival with kosher food, bouncies, entertainment and booths with family friendly activities. The 5000 attendees at the festival passed by our heartwarming photos, picked up brochures, and asked questions about the Friendship Circle.
Our next major event is the Friendship Circle International’s Bike Across America to benefit children with special needs. The S. Diego Friendship Circle is honored to be chosen as the starting point. We will be leaving from a gorgeous beach on the Pacific Ocean on Father’s Day, Sunday morning June 16th. The Friendship Circle children and volunteers will treat their fathers to a brunch, Father’s Day gifts, and a party complete with bubble machines, a parachute, and other exciting activities. For more information about Bike Across America, contact Rabbi Mendel Groner at 718-713-3071 or www.Bike4Friendship.org.
All monies raised goes directly to children with special needs providing them with social and recreational programs. You can still make a donation at www.friendshipwalksd.com To learn more about the Friendship Circle SD visit www.friendshipcirclesd.com or call 858-487-4879.
Wahoo!!
friendship circle isa very good place for kids
Very proud to be machetonim.
-Art & Lynn
two of the most outstanding, passionate and loving girls I have ever met.
Z
One of the most special and inspiring girls i have had the privilege to meet! Continue doing the Rebbe’s work. You are a girl who truly makes a Kiddush Shem Lubavitch.