On July 18, 2010, hundreds of cyclists will gather to ride in the Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services’ (www.jbfcs.org) second annual Hudson Valley Bike Ride—a beautiful, scenic ride with rest stops at some spectacular settings in State parks and other beautiful spots.  The Westchester fundraiser was a resounding success in 2009.   Last year 300 riders raised over $425,000.00 for JBFCS programs and services—including the funding of special Westchester community projects such as the Learning to Dream youth mentoring program and the East Coast Assistance Dogs initiative.  Last year JBFCS exceeded its goal by 60 percent. This year JBFCS President and founder of the event, Anthony Mann, hopes to raise $500,000.00.  Participants can register online at www.hudsonvalleyride.org.  The ride will begin and end at the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls campus of JBFCS in Hawthorne, NY.

“It has been rewarding to see my vision for the bike ride come full circle.  Last year’s record-breaking results have inspired all of us—staff and loyal supporters alike—to stretch ourselves…to work harder…and to reach into our hearts as we help the most vulnerable New Yorkers among us,” said Mann.

According to Paul Levine, CEO of JBFCS, “Tony has been an indefatigable leader through all of this.  His energy and foresight have moved all of us.  Thanks to his leadership, the bike ride will continue in its second year to raise awareness for JBFCS even more.” 

Lenny Rodriguez, Deputy Executive Director of JBFCS and Captain of the Westchester Campus Riders, invites cyclists of every skill level to take part: “We’re looking for a great turnout on July 18^th.  If you ride and you’re up for an exciting day of fun and friendship, come out and support a fabulous cause.  You can choose a 10, 25, 62 or 100 mile route.  Register on your own, join a team or start a team of your own.”

JBFCS provides a comprehensive network of 175 mental health and social service programs—promoting well-being, resilience and self-sufficiency for individuals and families at every stage of life.  Leaders in the field of human services, we proudly serve 65,000 people of all faiths, races and cultures across the five boroughs and in Westchester.