Team Run4Yitzi has wrapped up another successful marathon fundraiser for Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, the Chabad Shliach in California who is battling ALS.
On March 6, 2022, in Miami, Florida over 100 runners ascended the Miami 305 Marathon donning their bright yellow and green Run4Yitzi jerseys and completed the half marathon or 5K.
Run4Yitzi is one of various fundraisers that funds the Hurwitz Family Fund which financially supports Yitzi and his family to cover his high medical bills and to keep the family afloat.
This incredible organization was founded by Brocha Lipkind, a childhood friend of Rabbi Yitzi’s wife Mrs. Dina Hurwitz. Brocha along with her husband Mendel Lipkind, and Rivka Teich (another childhood friend of Dina’s) brought the team up from 55 runners to over 100. There were families, young and old, and lots of friends of the Hurwitz kids who participated.
The weekend started on Friday morning with a meet and greet at Beis Menachem in North Miami Beach. There was a lavish breakfast, a fun ice-breaker game to meet each other, and of course picking up everyone’s jerseys and Run4Yitzi swag.
Motzei Shabbos was a rooftop pre-race carb meal catered by Sacho Catering. Awards were given out to some outstanding runners, with big cheers from the team. Friends of the Hurwitz’s said some heartfelt words, that touched each person. And then the rocking party broke out with all the energy eagerly anticipating the upcoming marathon.
Early Sunday morning – at 4:30 a.m. – the coach bus brought the team to the starting line of the Miami 305. Run4Yitzi was the largest group there! A true kiddush Hashem. There were a few minutes of stretching and warm-up, a quick group photo, and then off to the race. The energy was incredible.
As each runner came across the finish line, they got their medal, drank some water, basked in the glory of what they just achieved – and then stood on the sidelines to cheer on their fellow runners. Each person did this, resulting in a huge outpouring of support from Run4Yitzi for their own team members but also others that were running. In addition to the cheering at the finish line, there was a cheering station at mile 7 with bells, whistles and signs giving our runners much-needed chizuk to keep going.
After the race, the team met back up at Beis Menachem for a post-race celebratory BBQ banquet, again catered by Sacho Catering. The runners were able to put their medals and bibs in personalized memory boxes. The team was full of spirit and smiles now that the fundraising, the training, and the actual marathon was behind them and a huge success.
Rabbi Shmuel Fogelman, Rabbi Yossi Baitelman, and Rabbi Simcha Backman, part of the five people who handle the Hurwitz Family Fund, flew in from California to join in the festivities and explain in their own words how important Run4Yitzi is. As Rabbi Fogelman so poignantly stated, “What you did will virtually give life to Yitzi and Dina and the family for another year.”
In honor of Yitzi’s 50th birthday the room broke out in a happy birthday song, which was videoed and sent to Yitzi. A customized birthday cake was shared by all. And a huge birthday card was signed with well wishes to Ytizi.
Mark your calendars for next year – and join Run4Yitzi. If you want to make a change in someone’s life, here is your chance. Inquiries regarding Run4Yitzi, or to be a sponsor, reach out to: [email protected] or (718)902-7718. To donate go to: HurwitzFamilyFund.com
Absolutely no words for how amazing Run4Yitzi is!! Every person involved was awesome!! Can’t wait for next year for it to be even bigger and better event!!