Miracles at Annual 5K Run/Walk

In the days leading up to Friendship Circle’s annual 5K Run/Walk, a wildfire devasted over 190 acres of wetlands directly behind LifeTown. Friendship Circle was unsure if the air would be smoke free for the event. But on Sunday morning, November 3, the air was clear. Blue skies and a shining sun presided over an excited crowd of over 2,000 walkers and runners.

Participants were greeted by upbeat music and an overall sense of community. Kids enjoyed train rides, an inflatable slide, a rock-climbing wall, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. Friends and families embraced, eager to make a difference for kids, teens, and adults with special needs.

“I am walking today because my best friends from high school are here and we’re supporting them,” said Lisa Brodsky of Livingston. “I volunteer for Friendship Circle regularly and my kids volunteer here. It’s a wonderful experience for them.”

Brodsky’s friends, twins Gayle Heitner and Ellyn Fisher, were gearing up for the event. The positive energy in the air was undeniable as more people arrived.

“It’s a great organization,” said Heitner. “Two of my children are on the spectrum and it’s a great cause. We’re happy to be a part of it.”

Nine-year-old Eli Sobel of Roseland was thrilled to be running the 5K. He was a proud member of Team Nagypapa, named in memory of his grandfather, Ivan Sobel, a beloved supporter of Friendship Circle.

“We are running for my grandpa,” said Sobel. “I run because it’s fun and we do it to remember him and appreciate him. Friendship Circle and LifeTown mean everything to me.”

Over 150 runners stretched quads behind a festive blue Friendship Circle arch, eagerly waiting for the 5K run to begin. The countdown was on as runners planned to beat previous records while reflecting on the larger meaning of the event.

“The 5K for us is not the achievement,” said Michelle Amin of Livingston, who was running with Gina Vaccaro, also from Livingston. “The achievement is supporting a really great local organization that is doing great things for the community and beyond.”

“I work with kids with all different abilities,” said Vaccaro, the Head of Youth Services at the Livingston Public Library. “I thought this would be a fantastic way to support the community and support the kids. This shows them that when we all come together, we’re stronger together.”

It was clear that runners and walkers alike felt stronger together. Teams convened to decorate colorful walk signs and families supported one another. One runner especially had family on her mind as she warmed up for the run.

“I am pregnant so I’m just hoping to run the whole thing,” said Elyssa Alpert of Livingston with a chuckle. “No personal records today. I love Friendship Circle. It’s a community, a place where everybody belongs.” Alpert crossed the finish line with a huge smile on her face while holding her toddler’s hand.

As other runners completed the 5K, they grabbed water and bananas to refuel. Carol Cohen of Maplewood ran with her 33-year-old daughter Michelle.

“I am running to support Friendship Circle and it’s something my husband and I can do with our autistic daughter, Michelle,” said Cohen. “She loved the race today. She started here when she was little and then took a break for a long time. She just started to get back into it.”

Long time Friendship Circle supporter Genevieve Spielberg also participated with her adult son, and shared a similar sentiment.

“We are huge supporters of LifeTown and Friendship Circle,” said Spielberg. “Justin has been participating in the programs since he’s 5 years old and both of his brothers have also volunteered. Friendship Circle means the world to me. They have a vision to provide programming for individuals, especially as they get older, when so many others decide they no longer accept a certain age. Friendship Circle has a vision for our kids.”

Spielberg was a top individual fundraiser, raising over $6k for the event. Eitan Shua was another top fundraiser. His team, Eitan and the Tractors, raised over $11K together.

“We’re walking because Friendship Circle is an amazing organization,” said Shana Shua, Eitan’s mother. “We’ve been fortunate to be a part of it for many years now. They have programs for special needs kids and we’re happy to do our part to raise money.”

Prior to the walk start, Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, the CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown, urged the crowd to reflect on the past year.

“As we gather this morning,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “Say a prayer for peace in this world. This year should be a year of blessings and good news. This is what happens every day at LifeTown and we want the light to spread to the rest of the world.”

Mayor Alfred M. Anthony of Livingston also praised LifeTown and all that Friendship Circle does for the community, likening the organization to a miracle. The clean air and joyous event certainly felt like a miracle. After a crowd-wide countdown, people of all abilities set off on the 5K walk route among excitement and cheering.

“We’re Presidents at Friendship Circle and we have a role in fundraising. It’s really important and meaningful to us to help fundraise for Friendship Circle to expand its programs,” said Jake Parker, a junior at Millburn High School and a Friendship Circle Presidents Club volunteer. “That’s really the goal today and what we came out here to do.”

As walkers completed the course, they were treated to delicious knishes, hot dogs, and snacks. Unicyclist Wacky Chad entertained the crowd as everyone celebrated the accomplishment of completing both races and collectively raising over a whopping $250,000 for Friendship Circle.