(Courtesy of JFCS) On June 23rd, 2019, more than 300 riders, hikers and volunteers convened at Temple Emanu-El in Closter, to take part in the ninth annual Wheels-for-Meals Ride to Fight Hunger. Organized by Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS), the ride has raised over $115,000 from the community, making it one or the organization’s most successful events in its history.

“The tremendous success of this year’s ride is a testament to our generous donors, volunteers, and community,” said Susan Greenbaum, chief executive officer at JFCS. “Our event and the funds raised continues to grow, which allows us to help more and more people in the community who rely on JFCS for Meals-on-Wheels and our food pantries. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support, and we look forward to even greater success next year.”

One of the most inspiring gifts to JFCS came from 12-year old Teaneck-resident Nesya Bayewitz who recently became a bat mitzvah. She chose to celebrate her bat mitzvah party at Sunday’s event with over 100 of her friends and family. Nesya’s team alone raised over $17,000 for JFCS and marked her special occasion with a post-bike party with great food, music and fun games.

The event’s proceeds will support the JFCS Meals-on-Wheels program that delivers over 48,000 meals each year to homebound seniors in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties. It will also support the JFCS food pantries that serve nearly 200 families through the Teaneck and Fair Lawn locations.

JFCS thanks its amazing donors and sponsors, including Eastwick College, Becton Dickinson, ShopRite, Optima Fund Management, Holy Name Hospital, Lawrence B. Goodman & Co., Stop &Shop, Tranzact, Diamond Chemical, NJ Eye & Ear, Oritani Bank, Plan A Advisors and SB One Bank.

While the 2019 Ride to Fight Hunger is complete, readers can still make a meaningful difference in the Northern NJ community by donating to JFCS at DONATE.jfcsnnj.org And stay tuned for details on the 10th annual ride in spring of 2020.