A new charity bike ride, the inaugural Tour de Friendship, is set to take place on November 9, 2023, in Boca Raton, Florida. The event aims to raise funds for the Friendship House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families.
Founded in 2020 by Rabbi Sholom Kessler, the Friendship House operates under the auspices of Chabad of Central Boca Raton. The organization currently serves approximately 70 local families and seeks to foster an inclusive community. Kessler emphasizes the importance of integrating individuals with special needs into society, stating, “Oftentimes, children with special needs are overlooked and we are here to change that.”
Participants of the bike ride are encouraged to raise a minimum of $1,500, with all proceeds going directly to support year-round programming for young adults and children with special needs. Riders who meet the fundraising goal will receive a Tour de Friendship bike jersey. Interested individuals can register at tourdefriendship.com, where there is no set deadline for registration. The website also provides options for volunteering and making donations.
Event Details and Community Engagement
On the day of the ride, participants will gather at the Friendship House campus for a light breakfast before embarking on a scenic route along State Road A1A to Palm Beach and back. The course spans 60 miles and is expected to take four to five hours to complete. Organizers have planned rest stops every 15 miles, offering refreshments, bike support, and time for riders to recharge.
Kessler notes that while prior cycling experience is not mandatory, participants should be prepared for the distance. Many riders have already begun training in groups to prepare for the challenge. “I think the value of riding, and people in the community putting their foot to the pedal to raise funds for special needs, makes them a part of it,” Kessler remarked. “They get to see the impact of the program first-hand and the community gets to see the people riding for them.”
Riders may bring their own bicycles or opt to rent one for the day. Organizers are making efforts to accommodate cyclists of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate in this community-focused event.
Join the Ride for a Greater Purpose
The Tour de Friendship is more than just a biking event; it represents a collective effort for community engagement and awareness. Kessler sees this ride as a unique opportunity for the Boca community to unite in support of individuals with special needs. “It’s an opportunity for the Boca community to come together, not just in support, but in shared purpose,” he said.
As the date approaches, excitement is building within the community, and organizers are hopeful for a strong turnout to support the Friendship House’s mission. For those interested in participating, volunteering, or donating, further information is available at tourdefriendship.com.
With the inaugural Tour de Friendship, Boca Raton is poised to pedal towards a more inclusive future for all.
