The inaugural Tour de Friendship charity bike ride occurred on Nov. 9 in Boca Raton. The 60-mile ride is dedicated to the nonprofit organization, Friendship House, which assists people with special needs and their families.
Friendship House is led by executive director Rabbi Sholom Kessler. He founded the program in 2020 within Chabad of Boca Raton with the goal of building an inclusive community. The Friendship House currently serves about 70 local families, with hopes to expand.
More than 30 riders participated this year, allowing Friendship House to raise over $55,000. All proceeds from the bike ride will help them continue to host year-round programming for young adults and children. Kessler also sees the ride as a chance for the community to learn more about the group and get involved.
Rabbi Shneur Kaplan of Fort Lauderdale led the riders in prayer before they embarked on the 60-mile journey. They returned to cheers of support from family, friends, and Friendship House participants, followed by a celebratory BBQ.
For more info about Friendship House, visit bocafriendship.com.
