New York – Bike4Chai Fundraiser Brings In A Staggering $1.6 Million To Benefit Camp Simcha

New York – More than $1.6 million has already been raised for the annual Bike4Chai, now in its fourth year, and at least 200 bicyclists are expected to participate. Bike4Chai raises monies to benefit Chai-Lifeline and Camp Simcha. The funds raised will be put toward scholarships for children to attend Camp Simcha.

The Wall Street Journal reports (http://on.wsj.com/Ndk4d9) that the ride begins today in Asbury Park, NJ, and concludes tomorrow at Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. Bicyclists cover 165 miles in their travels. Elliot S. Zaks, who established the event and organizes it each year described the bike-a-thon as emotional, saying, “The kids come out to greet you and the counselors put on a show…It’s the most incredible experience you could have pulling in after such a ride. The whole place is cheering.”

Mr. Zaks explained that all riders are required to raise $3,600 in order to participate. He says he has personally brought in $14,000, and on average, each bicyclist brings in more than $8,000.

The inspiration for a bike-a-thon began four years ago when a Camp Simcha staff member embarked on a ride alone in an effort to raise $10,000. The following year, Mr. Zaks and some friends came up with the idea for the fundraiser, and they have attempted to double the number of participants each year. Typically, the majority of the bicyclists reside in the tri-state area, but this year, riders from as far away as Montreal, Miami and Israel are expected to participate.