Let the Races Begin With the Mandell JCC’s 4th Annual Big Wheel Derby

The Mandell JCC is opening two racetracks for children on big wheels and bikes at the 4^th Annual Big Wheel Derby on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT. The Derby, featuring guest emcee, Brad Drazen, Morning Co-Anchor of NBC Connecticut News Today, is a fundraiser to support Alyssa’s Angel Fund, which helps children with a rare genetic disease. Highlights of the day will include races for younger and older kids, face painting, arts and crafts, and a bounce house.

Inspired by 7 year-old Alyssa Temkin, a portion of the proceeds from the Big Wheel Derby will benefit Alyssa’s Angel Fund. Alyssa is diagnosed with a rare Jewish genetic disease called Glycogen Storage Disorder type 1a (GSD), resulting in her body being unable to store glycogen like most people. There are many families who have children with GSD1a who can’t afford medical care. That is why Alyssa’s parents, Gayle and Steve Temkin, established Alyssa’s Angel Fund. Alyssa’s Angel Fund allows other children who have GSD the opportunity to see Dr. David Weinstein and his team at the University of Florida Gainesville. Dr. Weinstein is the leader in GSD research and treatment. Alyssa’s Angel Fund helps less fortunate children around the world with this rare disease get the medical attention they need. Since 2009, more than $20,000 has been raised at previous Derby events.

The 4^th Annual Big Wheel Derby is hosted by the Mandell JCC’s Family Room Parenting Center and The PJ Library. Family registration is $18, and contributions to Alyssa’s Angel Fund are greatly appreciated. For more information about the Big Wheel Derby, or to register, call 860-236-4571, or visit www.mandelljcc.org. To learn more about Alyssa’s Angel Fund, contact Jill Ziplow, 860-231-6339, jziplow@mandelljcc.org.

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America. For updates, follow the Mandell JCC on Facebook and Twitter.