Hundreds of people of all ages gathered for the 8th annual Friendship Walk to support Friendship Circle in S. Diego CA, in collaboration with the S. Diego Jewish Federation, on Sunday May 15, 2015
“Once again,” says Mrs. Elisheva Green, Director S. Diego Friendship circle, “the Jewish Federation, together with the Friendship Circle of S. Diego, has joined together to support the Friendship Walk, which opened a grand community celebration for Israel, at the San Diego Jewish Academy in Carmel Valley, CA.”
Clowns and animal characters added to the fun of the day and kept everyone happily entertained during registration. J. Brook, a Friendship Circle teen, started the opening ceremony by leading everyone in singing the Star Spangled Banner.
To begin the walk, Michael Sonduck, CEO of the Jewish Federation, and Ben Cary, a teen friend, cut the ribbon. Daniela Hirschhorn’s family, along with her volunteer Nicole, all blew starting whistles.
“The event was a wonderful Kiddush Hashem and Kiddush Chabad,” said Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Shliach in Poway, CA, and founder of the S. Diego Friendship Circle. “This was a true milestone in the S. Diego Jewish community to witness the collaboration of the Friendship Circle and the United Jewish Federation.”
Mr. Michael M. Sonduck, the head of the Federation, was honored with others for the walk ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Sonduck was so touched by the outpouring of support from the S. Diego Jewish community that he spoke of thanking the Friendship Circle and Chabad for bringing the Friendship Walk to S. Diego, and that all he can say is how “fantastic” the walk is and expressed his gratitude and the hope that the event would set a precedent among other Jewish Federations.
S Diego Supervisor David Roberts spoke and helped with the ribbon cutting. Roberts expressed his support for the Friendship Circle S Diego and its activities.
The goal of the walk was to raise funding and awareness for the Friendship Circle, a program that provides friendship for children with special needs. “We are celebrating our 10th year for Friendship Circle in S. Diego,” says Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, “we are expanding our programs and hiring more fulltime staff to expand even more, serving all Jewish families with special needs with these exemplary programs.”
“Many parents expressed their gratitude for the day dedicated to their children,” said Mrs. Elisheva Green, director and co-founder of The Friendship Circle. “To watch hundreds of people coming to show their support for your child and your family is truly amazing. So many volunteers give of their time to make this program possible and so many more were responsible for the success of this important event.”
Special thanks to the volunteers for doing such a fantastic job in rallying teens and youth of all ages and their families to join the walk and for another incredible year in helping so many children and families with special needs and all the programing throughout the year.
Friendship Walk S. Diego has raised over $60,000 towards their goal of $100,000 needed for The Friendship Circle programming.
After the walk, the Jewish Federation hosted a festival with kosher food, entertainment and booths with family friendly activities. The 3000 attendees at the festival passed by our heartwarming photos, picked up brochures, and asked questions about the Friendship Circle.
All monies raised goes directly to children with special needs providing them with social and recreational programs. You can still make a donation at www.friendshipwalksd.com To learn more about the Friendship Circle SD visit www.friendshipcirclesd.com or call 858-487-4879.
Go Goldsteins!
Go Baila Goldstein!
Go Elisheva green!
Go mendy Smoller!
I spent shabbos in chabad of Poway. Love the rabbi he is such a warm and friendly person.
Go, Elisheva!!! You are THE BEST!!!!! We miss you soooooooooooo much!!!!!! Thanks so much for all you do!!!
Go Poway !
Best Shluchim !
Your Merkoz Shluchim Bochurim
Yesher Koiach Rabbi Yisroel and Devorie Goldstein and
Mrs Elisheva Green and the FCSD Staff for creating a fantastic Kiddush Hashem bringing Yiddishkait to all circles throughout S Diego, The Rebbe is most proud of such active and effective Shluchim! keep up the great work.
Clifford
Mazal tov to Mrs Elisheva Green and POWAY Shaliach Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein for launching and spearheading
The Friendship Cirlce in S.diego
We salute you and are very proud of your accomplishments
fellow Shluchim
Diego Ca