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Over $160,000 raised goes directly to programs for individuals with special needs
Friendship Circle of Miami recently held the 17th Annual Walking 4 Friendship 3K & Family Carnival presented by Exclusive Title Sponsor, Bean Automotive Group, raising over $160,000 for programs supporting individuals with special needs and their families. More than 600 attendees came together in a joyous event to support Friendship Circle’s mission of fostering friendship, inclusion, and opportunities to build a strong community.
The following individuals and teams were recognized for their outstanding fundraising efforts: Ryan Sundheim, Hayden Jellson, Team Tanner, Team Lapides and Team Feigelson; their combined efforts amounted to over $32,000.
“Our member families joining us in this walk along with our army of volunteers are the heartbeat of this mission. We started the Friendship Circle in 2004 to address the lack of resources for families raising children with special needs. This has grown from a small initiative pairing local teens with children to foster friendship and inclusion,” said Nechama Harlig, co-founder, Friendship Circle Miami.
Honored guests included local leaders Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Friendship Circle parent, Raquel Regalado; and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins. Najahe Sherman, anchor of CBS News Miami served as event emcee.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue attended for the first time, alongside the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and attendees also enjoyed a brand-new dunk tank attraction on campus made possible by Paul Davis Property Restoration Experts.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Yossi Harlig and Nechama Harlig, Friendship Circle of Miami serves hundreds of individuals with special needs each year, by harnessing the support of dedicated volunteers. These teen volunteers from 40 different schools across the region are the ‘superpower’ of Friendship Circle. Currently there are 150 volunteers enrolled and an alumni of over 1400 across the globe.
Programs provide recreational opportunities, build life skills, strengthen families, and promote community engagement. All of this takes place at the Friendship Campus’s newly opened 20,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art center located on two and a half acres. The center features sensory, art and music rooms, a fun zone with rock climbing, a ball pit and digital interactives, life skills room and movement studio. The campus was made possible by donors, many of whom have seen the impact of its programs on their own families.
The Bolduc Fun Zone stands out as a visually attractive indoor space; this area was dedicated by Stacy and John Bolduc. Their daughter Ellie has Down syndrome and has been part of the FC program for a decade.
“Ellie has made tremendous friendships that continue to endure even after her friends have graduated and moved on to college. These are friendships that Ellie wouldn’t have had were it not for Friendship Circle,” said Stacy Bolduc.
Funding for the Friendship Circle comes from year-round donors and the generosity walk sponsors and community partners. This year’s sponsors led by Exclusive Title Sponsor, Bean Automotive Group include META Development, Fairholme Foundation, Value Store lt, Singerman, Driftwood Capital, Kaufman Rossin, Milam’s Markets, TD Bank, Able United, South Florida Police Benevolent Association, Lockton Companies, Atlantis Academy Miami & L.I.F.E., All Day ABA, Seacoast Bank, Steckler Wealth Management Group of Raymond James and Paul Davis Restoration of Miami.
Friendship Circle of Miami was founded in 2004 with a simple but powerful goal: to break down the walls of isolation and build an inclusive community that values every individual. Our mission is to create meaningful friendships for individuals with special needs and those facing social isolation, while empowering them to become contributing members of the community. Today, we proudly serve hundreds of individuals with special needs each year through more than 25 distinct programs, made possible by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. Our programs foster social connection, provide recreational opportunities, build life skills, strengthen families, and promote community engagement. All of this takes place at the Friendship Campus Miami, our state-of-the-art hub designed to nurture inclusion, friendship, and support for the special needs community.
For more info and interviews contact Andi Phillips at 305-401-5908 or andi.phillips@outlook.com
