Blog Post: 500+ Turn Out for Friendship Walk

Sunday morning, I received an email from Rabbi Eli Laber which read: ”Bring your umbrella!... Bring your poncho!... Bring a rain-hat and jacket!... But most importantly, bring your feet and your heart and let's all … For those who brave the rain and walk, you will be doubly blessed for your efforts.” 

I wasn’t the only one who felt the urge to go and show support to a much needed program in our community. The weather did not stop more then a hundred people from walking the 5k and 500 supporters for attending the event. 

Rabbi Eli, who is in charge of the Friendship Circle, expressed his concern about the rising number of families who are seeking help and support. It is becoming more and more difficult to help those in need, especially while the state funding and the school district cuts are increasing. "... because of state budget cuts more families are turning to us for support to fill that gap,” he said. 

He hopes that with the continued support of the community, the situation won’t effect the ongoing programs offered at the Friendship Circle. He also made a commitment and wants supporters to know that 100 percent of the funds that are donated to the Friendship Circle will go strictly towards the funding of the programing while administrative costs are covered by grants and donations from individuals.
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In the attached videos, do you recognize some of the people in our community who felt the same way as I did Sunday, including the four kids who made it first to the final point?

You’ll hear Eli Eisenberg, a resident of Oak Park sharing few thoughts about this day. You will meet a very special child who was very happy to be walking with his dad to the event to meet his Friendship Circle friends. 

You will meet the volunteers who worked so hard today without expecting any reward, just for the Mitzvah!

More festivities took place after the walk at , including music and carnival booths, food, crafts and games. 

It is important to note that Friendship Circle's Programs are free of charge for qualified families and open to all regardless of religion and ethnicity. The funding comes primarily from charitable donations throughout the community.

I truly feel blessed, for it was the first time in past seven years that it rained so much on the Friendship 5k Walk.

For further information or to donate to the Friendship Circle, please visit the website at: www.friendshipcircleca.org

Download the movie

Download the movie

Download the movie