Walk 4 Friendship in Illinois Raises over $32,000
On Sunday, October 13, nearly 450 people joined The Stuart I. Raskas Friendship Circle of Illinois for their fifth annual Walk4Friendship. Teen volunteers, children with special needs, their families, and the community at large enjoyed an afternoon of solidarity to promote inclusion and to raise funds and awareness for children with special needs.
The glorious October day brightened by sunshine mirrored the warmth and enthusiasm of the atmosphere at the event. The serene landscapes of the Wood Oaks Park in Northbrook were synonymous to the unity felt amongst the participants. Everyone felt welcome, and that they belong. Nature’s beauty represents the mindset of The Friendship Circle: a vision of a world of acceptance, a world of peace and harmony. Every creation is significant and necessary to the picturesque painting of life.
This year, the new 5K run and the famous one mile walk were completed by volunteers and supporters who braved the challenge of raising more than $32,000. All funds directly benefit individuals with special needs and their families. At the same time, our volunteer body is empowered with the gift of giving, a gift more valuable than money can buy.
Rabbi Zelik Moscowitz, Director of The Friendship Circle, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, to the backbone of the program – the dedicated volunteers, and to all those who have participated to show support to this significant cause.
Included in the event’s highlights was a rock climbing wall, DJ by Charizma, Home Depot workshop, great food by Mizrahi Grill, neat crafts and a bounce house for The Friendship Circle’s youngest fans.
Nearly 450 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Dominick’s, Integrated DNA Technologies, Mizrahi Grill, All Tile Inc., ARPAC Group, Rubin Law – A Professional Corporation, Charizma, Print 911, Klassmman Special Needs Planning, Windy City Home inspection, Garden Fresh Market, Home Depot, Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, Sunset Foods, and Zelda’s Sweet Shoppe.
The Friendship Circle, a non-profit organization founded in 2006, has a refreshing approach to helping families of children with special needs. Teen volunteers bring the spirit of true friendship and unconditional love to the children, who participate in recreational, Judaic, social and educational programs. The funds raised from this walk will help expand the services and activities that The Friendship Circle offers our community.
