By Jeanette Friedman
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — More than 400 folks turned up at Prospect Park Sunday morning, got their little digital chips attached to their sneakers and in separate races for men and women, took off on 5K (3.5 mile) race organized by JRunners. The goal was to raise money for an Orthodox drop-in center that takes 700 kids (including some 80 young women) off the streets and gets them back into living full and successful lives.
Three amazing personalities: Avraham Silverman, an 88-year old World War II vet in a wheelchair who served in North Africa and Italy, his grandson Aron, who credits Our Place with saving his life and Sam, a 500 lb. bundle of energy and Our Place regular, all determined to complete the race for the cause, were the stars at this gathering.
Our Place is looking for the public’s assistance, since drastic budget cuts on federal, state and municipal levels have starved Our Place of the funds needed to counsel and refer lost kids for treatment and vocational training that will help them realize their full potential.
Avi Fishof, executive director of Our Place, said that much more money is needed to keep the program in place. $1 million is needed annually to maintain the status quo of servicing 700 children a year. They are reluctant to turn anyone away, because that could cost a child his or her life.
State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, and Councilman David Greenfield were on hand for the send-off with promises from Greenfield of a $5k matching grant for Our Place. Runners came from as far away as New Jersey, Rockland County and the Five Towns in order to make the race a financial success, have fun and enjoy the run–but they were serious about the cause.
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Friedman is Greater New York bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World. She may be contacted at jeanette.friedman@sdjewishworld.com