Celebrate Friendship Circle Pride on October 14 during Walk

Friendship Circle fosters friendships between local teens and young adults and their peers with special needs.

BRYN MAWR – Fifteen years of fostering life-changing friendships between local young people, including those with disabilities, is a lot to be proud of – and the inspiration for this year’s Philly Friendship Circle Friendship Walk and Family Fun Fair theme: “Show your FC Pride.”

This fun-for-everyone event takes place Sunday, Oct. 14, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Barrack Hebrew Academy, 272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA. Philly Friendship Circle, the young people who participate, and families, donors and volunteers are proud of bringing young people of all abilities together with a full-range of social activities specifically designed to be enjoyed by all. They are also proud that the Friendship Walk and Family Fun Fair are built around the same, inclusive principles.

The event kicks off with a scenic stroll along a one-mile accessible trail. Activities continue with an inclusive carnival-style family fun fair featuring a rock wall, bounce houses and backyard games - including a giant Connect Four. Face painters and balloon makers will add to the festive atmosphere.

Proceeds raised from the walk and fair will support Sunday Circle and Friends@Home. Sunday Circle is a structured social program that connects kids with special needs to area teens and young adults for activities such as art, music and dance. Friends@Home helps kids with special needs build friendships with volunteer teens in the comfort of their own home. Funds from the walk will also support two newly improved initiatives aimed at educating teen volunteers and building leadership skills.

Walk co-chair Ben Helzner has attended Sunday Circle for the past three years and spends most Sundays paired with Gavi. “I try to include Gavi’s favorite thing, jeopardy, into Sunday Circle Activities. I often have the whole group sing the Jeopardy theme song during music and he absolutely loves it. When he doesn’t want to do an activity, sometimes we just go on walks together and talk. It’s a different level of connection that I can’t get with anyone else. I’m definitely thankful for our friendship.”

Ben is particularly proud and excited about this year’s walk. “The walk is a great way for new people to learn about our organization. Everyone should get involved with Philly Friendship Circle because at its core it’s all about understanding others. I think every person can learn how to do that better.”

Jared Pashko, marketing and outreach manager of Philly Friendship Circle, spoke of the community that the walk celebrates. “While the Friendship Circle community is made up of a wide range of groups – volunteers, family members, donors and friends – we have one thing in common and that’s pride. I am proud of the work I do to ensure that every person can experience genuine friendship and companionship.”

Founded in 2004 by Lubavitch House, Philly Friendship Circle has grown to serve families, children and teens in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties.

Show your FC Pride by becoming a volunteer or walker for this year’s event. Interested individuals can register for either role on www.phillyfriendshipwalk.com. Donations can be made online to help meet this year’s fundraising goal of $100,000. There will also be opportunities to donate at the event.

To learn more and register for the walk, visit, https://www.phillyfriendshipwalk.com. Join us for this afternoon of fun and see how proud everyone is to be a part of the Friendship Circle community!

ABOUT FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

The Friendship Circle Philadelphia Region South Connects teens and young adults to youth with special needs and their families, offering a full range of Jewish and social experiences. Together, they develop friendships while enjoying creative arts group activities, Jewish holiday celebrations, weekly playdates and more. These mutually rewarding relationships foster the development of a caring, supportive, community. For more information, visit www.phillyfriendship.com.

- END -