Community Runs, Walks and Rolls for Friendship and Inclusion

Over 2,000 people supported and uplifted the entire Friendship Circle family at the annual FC5kRun and FCwalk. On Sunday, October 26, the community cheered on runners, walkers and rollers as they completed two courses in honor of all the Friendship Circle children, teens and adults with special needs.

The bright sun cut through an October chill, casting a warm light across the entire event. That embracing warmth and sense of family was obvious through the countless smiles and hugs spotted throughout the day.

“Friendship Circle is a phenomenal place where we feel like we can be a part of the community and Sam can feel safe, accepted and valued,” said Carrie Leshin, whose 19-year-old son, Sam, has participated in Friendship Circle programs since he was 5 years old. “Today is a great day to celebrate Sam, all of the kids, and the volunteers of the Friendship Circle.”

The community included family, friends, neighbors, staff, and an impressive number of volunteers. Not only did volunteers ensure the event ran smoothly, but they also formed their own teams for schools and groups. This year the adult volunteers at LifeTown created the first-ever walk team, LifeTown Legends. The Legends included 46 walkers and raised over $20,000 – a remarkable feat for a first-time team.

To kick off the event, over 100 runners assembled at the race start as motivating music filled the air. It was truly inspiring to witness different groups cheering for one another. Parents supported children, siblings supported siblings, and even one doctor pushed her patient in a wheelchair throughout the race.

“I’m enjoying the beautiful weather today and witnessing how happy everyone is,” said Allen Sklar, an adult volunteer who spends his free time helping out at the LifeTown Shoppes. He was stationed at the finish line, handing out beautiful medals as runners completed the 5K race.

Joshua Meredith, donning a festive, bright blue headband and socks with a Star of David embroidered on the front, was the first runner to cross the finish line. Meredith ran the race representing the nationwide run club Nice Jewish Runners.

“My son had his birthday party at LifeTown and my whole family loves coming here. We really enjoy everything they do with their programming,” said Meredith. “It’s so great for the Jewish community. It’s a place where people can come to support a cause that’s so important.”

Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown, shared, “The energy and love that filled the day remind us what makes this community so special. Friendship Circle and LifeTown are powered by people who care, and today we saw that spirit shine brighter than ever.”

As the 5k race concluded, thousands of participants prepared to tackle the walk route together, all in support of promoting greater acceptance and understanding for people with special needs. Before the walk began, inspirational words were shared by Livingston Mayor Ed Meinhardt, teen volunteer president Oliver Herman, and Rebecca and Ben Malinsky along with their daughter Molly.

Excitement built as team captains held signs in the air, and after a lively countdown, the entire community set off on the route with cheers and applause.

“We’ve been participating in this walk since it started. Friendship Circle means everything to us. Matthew has been involved since he was 9 years old,” Meryl Stone said of her adult son, Matthew Cohen. “We started when it was a small organization and fortunately it has grown along with Matthew.”

Friendship Circle teen presidents were also on hand to help volunteer at the event and joined their high-school teams for the walk.

“It feels great to represent Livingston High School today,” said Friendship Circle President and Livingston High School junior Matthew Fleishman. “A lot of us are here, and it feels good to have a strong community in Livingston. Friendship Circle provides a great opportunity to meet other people and it allows us to see other kids find joy in a world where there’s a lot of prejudice and inequality.”

“It’s great to see how many people come out to support the cause, especially in today’s world,” added Fleishman’s mother, Amy. “It’s nice that everyone comes together from all different backgrounds and communities.”

After participants completed the walk, they were treated to hot dogs, warm knishes and pickles. Children delighted in train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and an inflatable bounce house and slides. The entire crowd was awe-struck by a fast-paced BMX stunt show, clapping as bikers flipped in the air.

In addition to the day of celebration and joy, Friendship Circle raised over $260,000 to benefit programs and services for individuals with special needs.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of its Lead Sponsor, DCH Millburn Audi, and additional sponsors including Kushner Companies, Somerset Regal Bank, G&S Technologies, ID Clothing, and Air Group.

“Every smile, every cheer, and every mile walked brings us closer to a world of true inclusion,” added Rabbi Grossbaum. “This event is a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we walk together, with friendship leading the way.”

Stacey Ennis, the captain of 15-member Team Zach, said, “Today is amazing.” Ennis’s 26-year-old son Zachary started coming to Friendship Circle when he was only 2 years old.  “We come every year. Right now, we’re at a stage where we’re giving back to others but for us it has been life changing. We love Friendship Circle very much.”