CLOSTER, N.J.—On Sunday, June 23, Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) held its annual Wheels for Meals to Fight Hunger event.
Since its beginning, nine years ago, Wheels for Meals has brought in over $1 million. This year’s event earned over $110,000 in donations from participants and sponsors.
Deborah Glasser, JFCS’s Director of Marketing & Communications, explained why this event is so important.
“Funds raised benefit the JFCS Food Assistance Programs including: Meals on Wheels which delivers 48,000+ meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals each year in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties and food pantries, serving almost 200 families each year in Teaneck and Fair Lawn,” she said.
Susan Greenbaum, CEO of JFCS, added, “This event is amazing, not only because it generates funds but also because it lets the community know that we’re here for them.”
On June 23, they were, indeed, there in force in Closter. Beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, over 300 participants chose from several options for people of all ages.
There were bike rides with scenic routes covering 50 miles, 25 miles (with rest stops along the way) and a 10-mile route. For those who preferred to walk, there was a two-and-a-half mile hike around Ruckman Park. Even some toddlers joined the fundraiser by pedaling around on their scooters.
Clad in bright colored shirts and shorts, both experienced riders and novices were excited to undertake their challenge of choice.
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner of Temple Emanu-El welcomed all the bikers, and David Feuerstein, who created Wheels for Meals, greeted each team at the starting line.
“I started my work with JFCS in 2007 when I was a Bar Mitzvah student,” Feuerstein said. “I realized how much need there was in the community, so I donated all of my Bar Mitzvah money to start a fund. But, then the fund ran out, and I said, ‘But the need is still there. We have to keep this going!’ We raised $35,000 the first year of Wheels for Meals. My goal was to someday raise a million dollars. And now we have! It’s incredible!”
Up to 50 volunteers were on hand to help, and many local stores and restaurants donated a variety of food and baked goods, fruits, energy bars and beverages.
“Even though this event becomes bigger every year, it actually becomes increasingly easier for our staff. People have such a great time that they jump in to help, so there is less for us to do! Our community has a great commitment to philanthropy.”
One of the bikers at Wheels for Meals had an additional philanthropic mission of her own. Nesya Bayewitz, who became a Bat Mitzvah in May, decided that in lieu of the traditional rite of passage party she wanted to celebrate with over 60 friends and family at the June 23 Wheels for Meals event. Team Nesya girls all wore bright pink T-shirts. Many of them enjoyed the 10 mile bike ride, while the littlest children did the hike accompanied by their spirited grandparents.
“I am so happy that I can have fun and do charity at the same time,” Nesya said. “For my Bat Mitzvah, I wanted to share this experience with my friends so they can also learn about how to help people who don’t have enough food or aren’t able to leave their house to get groceries. I hope they will love the ride as much as I do and come back with their families in the future.”
Nesya’s team raised close to $16,000. Other top earning teams were Team David ($16,677), Triple Chai with Donna & Alan ($11,746) and Joanie K and Sue ZQ ($5,960). The top three individuals who raised the most money were David Feuerstein ($8,630), Donna Weintraub ($2,599) and Liz Millner ($2,509).
Even more money is expected to come in after the event. Dr. Robin Klein, a member of Triple Chai team, said, “I will be encouraging my children to send in donations, and many other people also make donations to JFCS after the ride.”
After all the bikers and hikers returned from their adventures, they enjoyed a barbecue and music provided by Scott Reddin. Members of Nesya’s Bat Mitzvah team were given gift bags and participated in party games. A huge group of party goers danced the Hora, a traditional dance at Jewish celebrations.
Michele Wellikoff, the JFCS Director of Development who was on site throughout the day, has only been with the organization a short time and this was her first Wheels for Meals event.
“I love Wheels for Meals and I love my job. I am very committed to the work that we do here,” she said.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Northern New Jersey offers a diverse array of quality services, compassionate support and community solutions, through licensed therapists, that elevate the lives of children, adults, seniors and families in the region. Programs and services include mental health counseling, senior care management, emergency services including food pantries in Teaneck and Fair Lawn, information and referrals, and career, after-school, and support group programs.