On Sunday, September 11, South Florida residents marked Grandparents Day in a unique and meaningful way. Over 150 people participated in the first annual Grandparents Day Bike-a-thon, with over 50 bikers raising awareness for senior citizens. The first of its kind, the Grandparents Day Bike-a-thon was a celebration honoring the elder community.
“What we have done, is develop an awareness for the importance and the blessings we have—and what we can learn from seniors,” says Rabbi Smith, director of United Jewish Generations. “We hope this will change the trend, and make people think more about honoring and giving and sharing with seniors—and the current difference they can make in a senior citizen’s life,” emphasizes Smith.
The Bike-a-thon began at Greynolds Park, where the bikers had an energizing breakfast before hitting the road. Bikers chose between a local eight mile ride around Miami or a tri-county 34 mile ride to Boca. The tri-county riders crossed the finish line at Edgewater Pointe Estates, where they were greeted by seniors and together enjoyed a musical performance, award ceremony and delicious lunch.
Simcha and Frumma Gottlieb, who are grandparents themselves, joined the local ride along with some of their grandchildren. “We love riding, and getting outdoors and exercising,” says Simcha Gottlieb. “It was perfect fit for us, and it promotes health and wellness to this target audience in a positive way.”
Charles Ness participated in the bike-a-thon together with his children, mother and step-father. “What a fun way to teach my children the importance of honoring their grandparents. All three generations had such a wonderful time riding together and also felt great about supporting an organization that fills such a void,” says Ness.
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors: Hampton Court Nursing and Rehab, South Florida Kosher Market, SilverOak Home Health Care, Florida Jewish Funerals, Sapoznik Insurance, City Bikes, Chen Med and Walgreens.
For more info on the Grandparents Day Bike-a-ton visit: www.GrandparentsDayBikeathon.org
United Jewish Generations brings happiness, enjoyment and inspiration to senior citizens through various services and events. UJG promotes Jewish pride, practice and values by offering educational lectures and experiences of our heritage. Under the auspices of Chabad, UJG serves as an oasis of strength, hope and purpose. Check out their website at www.UnitedJewishGenerations.com
A true shliach without a lot of “fanfare” but with many fans!
Our good friend ex-Chicago