On Thursday, August 2, more than a thousand campers, staff, family, and friends celebrated the arrival of 550 Bike4Chai cyclists at The World’s Greatest Finish Line, the entrance to Camp Simcha Special. Bike4Chai, a two-day bicycling event now in its ninth year, raises funds for Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network which provides emotional, social, and financial support to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families.
The event began Tuesday night, July 31, at the Marriott in Princeton, NJ, with a Pasta Party and special ceremony recognizing participants for their fundraising efforts. Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president, thanked the cyclists for their support and called Bike4Chai the “highlight of the summer” for many of the campers. “One hundred and twenty-seven children anxiously await your arrival,” he said.
Mikayla Hornick, a Chai Lifeline client and Camp Simcha camper, shared her personal journey and offered the cyclists words of inspiration. “I am hoping to ride my own bike again. Soon, maybe one day, I’ll ride alongside you,” she said to a standing ovation.
The next morning, cyclists departed on their 180-mile ride through three states undeterred by the early rain storms. Within an hour, the sun broke through the clouds, and riders enjoyed beautiful mountain views. Along the way, cyclists stopped at rest stops stocked with food, drinks, and supplies, as well as lodging and entertainment in the Poconos’ Kalahari Resort on Wednesday evening.
On the afternoon of August 2, the cyclists arrived at Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s overnight camp for children with chronic illnesses and medical challenges, where they were greeted by their friends and families as well as ecstatic campers and staff. Following the emotional entry into the camp, celebrations continued with dancing and an award ceremony.
To learn more, please visit www.bike4chai.com.
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