Posted on 07/25/16
Baltimore, MD - July 18, 2016 - 3rd Event! 3rd Success! All thanks to you, our cyclists, our sponsors, and our volunteers. Yes, you did it again. Over 100,000 dollars raised by 174 cyclists and sponsors for Baltimore Bikur Cholim.
On Sunday, July 17, the 50 milers, pumped and helmeted, cycled down the path behind Beth Tfiloh’s grounds, followed by the 25 milers and the 10 milers, 174 strong, each group led by their ride marshals, traversed the scenic country-side routes of Baltimore County. Coach Noam Shiman, Jeff Schwartz, Shaya Lerner, and Aharon Newman read the safety instructions and encouraged all to stay hydrated. Hatzalah was graciously on hand supplying medical help for all who might need it. Along the routes, Sag wagons, led by Yehuda Prero, followed the cyclists in cars for safety. Rest Stops, led by Daniel Kirshenbaum and Eliezer Portnoy, supplied riders with respite, drink and snacks. The incomparable D.J., Aaron Shiller rocked the crowd with exciting music and banter. Family and friends were on hand to cheer each group at the finish line with homemade signs and tremendous applause. Laughter, excitement and a tremendous feeling of accomplishment by cyclists and spectators pervaded the parking lot at Beth Tfiloh as the party continued.
The children were treated to snow cones and cotton candy, expertly run by Ari Weiss. Moshe Rock’s famous balloon twisting dazzled everyone and face painters transformed the toddler’s faces into adorable animals and princesses. Everyone enjoyed the lavish and delicious barbeque prepared by Yaffa caterers as the program continued.
Dr. Jonathan Ringo, representing Sinai/Lifebridge-sponsors of the Bikur Cholim Family Fun Event and BBQ, complimented Bikur Cholim and all it does for the community and how we are truly partners with Sinai/Lifebridge in helping those in need.
Rabbi Tzvi Techman, Rav of Ohel Moshe and board member of Bikur Cholim gave an uplifting and extremely meaningful Dvar Torah and recited a perek of Tehilim for the cholim of the community. He continued with a beautiful and meaningful metaphor “A bicycle can be a very sophisticated instrument, but at the end of the day it is based on one of a most remarkable yet simple invention, the wheel.
One of the principles of a wheel that enables us to utilize it in transporting large and weighty matter is the fact that a wheel connects one point of it at a time with the surface it rides on with a minimum of friction which allows force to propel it forward so effectively.
That I believe is a great metaphor for the success of this terrific organization. There are many wheels that move this mighty machine forward so effectively due to the fact each wheel is led by critical point men and women who focus that goodwill and energy so successfully. Whether chairman, volunteer coordinator, intake person, event heads, executive director and every single participant here who somehow are able to carve out of your very busy lives, time to devote your talents and resources, thrusting your wheels so mightily to help Bikur Cholim assist the too many cholei yisroel in need of your help.”
Rabbi Pinchos Rabinowitz, executive director of Baltimore Bikur Cholim spoke straight from the heart in his remarks,… just as a non-cyclist cannot fathom a person riding a bike for 50 miles, so to “we cannot understand what is going through the minds of those facing a medical crisis. We cannot understand the feelings of someone sitting next to a loved one in a hospital bed, when a cheerful Bikur Cholim volunteer delivers a delicious fresh meal. Or the feeling of sitting in the waiting room outside the operating room when a Bikur Cholim volunteer sits down with them to talk and take their mind off things for a while. Or the feeling of relief when after one phone call to Bikur Cholim all your needs will be taken care of and you can focus on your loved one-the choleh.”
Yaakov Feinstein, chairman of the board of Bikur Cholim, shared this story. As our 50 mile cyclists were refueling at the rest stop at Glencoe Road, a non-Jewish farm owner who allows his property to be used for this rest stop, was so impressed with what he was told about Bikur Cholim and how the riders conducted themselves that he made a donation to Bikur Cholim. How extraordinary a lesson of making a Kiddush Hashem everywhere and anywhere you go.
Zevi Daniel thanked all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event another smashing success. He then announced the top fund raisers in various categories: Top Fundraiser: Bill Goldberg with $3,822.00; Top Youth Fundraiser: Yisroel Nueberger with $3,812.00; and Top Father Son Team: Eli and Chaim Greengart with $1,835.00. A TREK BIKE (donated by Maven Motors) was won by Yitzy Goldberg and A WEBER GRILL (donated by the Gutman Family) was won by Gil Neuman. He concluded with thanking the event coordinators, Mordechai Gottlieb and Rochelle Goldberg and their committee: Yaakov Berkowitz, Tzvi Feigenbaum, Noam Shiman and Liz Rothstein.
The website will remain up for a month for those who need to fulfill their obligations and those who still wish to sponsor a rider or team. www.bikercholim.org Start training now for BIKER CHOLIM 2017!
Video Credit: Kalman Feldman / KF Productions
