Baltimore, Md - Oct. 16, 2015 - “When you are on the right path doing the right thing Siy'ata D'Shemaya (help from heaven) kicks in...HaKadosh Baruch Hu smiled down on us with the most gorgeous weather for the Bikur Cholim Bike-a-thon,” exclaimed Aharon Newman, ride marshal and committee member for Biker Cholim.
On Sunday, October 11, Bikur Cholim of Baltimore held its second annual men’s bike-a-thon where almost $110,000 was raised! 194 cyclists, both novice and professional, joined together on beautiful scenic routes of 42, 25, a new 10 mile challenge, and 10 miles through the Stevenson neighborhood and rural Baltimore County. Fortified with Clif bars and Gatorade, the excitement in the air was palpable. Chaverim, and Hatzalah, were graciously on hand supplying safety and logistical help for all. Over five hundred family members and friends joined the post ride festivities
As the family members greeted and cheered at the finish line, the children enjoyed a packed Family Fun Event. Moshe Rock’s famous balloon creations dazzled the children as well as the adults, face painters adorned toddler’s faces, Craig Chaim Feinstein amazed with fabulous magical feats, and the high school girls of Bais Yaakov arranged a challenging and fun carnival. Music and snappy repertoire was masterfully provided by DJ, Ahron Schiller. Laughter, excitement and a tremendous feeling of accomplishment by cyclists and spectators pervaded the parking lot at Beth Tfiloh as the party continued. Yaffa caterers prepared a delicious and lavish barbeque that all enjoyed. Rabbi Zvi Teichman, Rav of Ohel Moshe and board member of Bikur Cholim gave an uplifting and extremely meaningful speech using the analogy of cycling up a hill to conquering life’s challenges. He congratulated the riders and Bikur Cholim for a magnificent job not only on the successful event, but on the multitude of chesed that Bikur Cholim provides for our community.
Our very own, Zevy Daniel, announced the top fundraisers this year: Matt Schoenfeld-$4,055, Gil Neuman- $3,541, and Bill Goldberg- $3,258, who were awarded plaques for their tremendous achievement. Also recognized were the pre-teenagers who raised the most funds: Yossi Morgenstern, Meyer Klein, and Yitzchok Israilov. The event was chaired by Mordechai Gottlieb, Yaakov Feinstein, Yaakov Berkowitz, Tzvi Feigenbaum, Aharon Newman, Jeff Schwartz , Zevy Daniel, and Rochelle Goldberg along with many volunteers who made the event such an overwhelming success.
The sun truly shone on all, making the event a day of personal and communal fulfillment. Bikur Cholim thanks all our corporate sponsors, volunteers, and cyclists for the tremendous success. Start training now for our 2016 bike-a-thon event!
Photo Credit: Adina Levitan
Photo Credit: Sarala Lefkowitz
Photo Credit: Uri Arnson Photography
