Six years ago, Dovid Egert biked from his home in Lakewood to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, New York. He raised ten thousand dollars in sponsorships for his 135 mile ride, and the monies raised enabled seriously ill children to attend Camp Simcha. The following year the caravan grew to 40 strong and Bike4chai was born. The event has continued to grow over the years, and last week’s Bike4Chai was a two-day, 180-mile, fully supported ride of over 400 participants, raising $5.7 million dollars for Camp Simcha. The riders climbed approximately 13,000 feet to reach their destination.

Camp Simcha, an overnight summer camp for children with cancer, chronic conditions, genetic illnesses and disabilities, is run by Chai Lifeline. Chai Lifeline is an international children’s health support network that provides dozens of programs and services that enable sick children and their families to cope with the emotional, social and financial impact of serious pediatric illness.

Bike4Chai is the highest per-capita fundraising cycling event in the United States. This year’s top fundraiser raised over $600,000. The cyclists were joined by two Tour de France riders, George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde, as well as former NFL wide receiver Amani Toomer.

The 13 teams included corporate teams and community-wide teams, and groups of cyclists riding in honor of or in memory of Camp Simcha campers and/or friends and loved ones with cancer and other illnesses.