(Courtesy of OHEL) For many, Sunday, November 5, was a cold and damp day, a day to stay indoors. But for Team OHEL’s dedicated NYC Marathon runners, who braved the rainy weather to raise funds and awareness for OHEL Children’s Home & Family Services, it was a day of endurance and victory!
Thousands of people cheered from sidewalks and windows as over 50,000 runners pushed through 26.2 miles of the world’s largest marathon. Team OHEL had some exceptional members as part of our cheering squad near mile six, including friends and relatives of team members, and men from one of OHEL Bais Ezra’s many residences throughout New York. Team OHEL runners were regaled with high fives, air horns, megaphones, pompoms, flags and hand-crafted posters made by individuals from the local OHEL Bais Ezra residence.
Team OHEL had some especially talented runners this year including Solly Elmann (3:41:43), Rebecca Schwartz (3:52:32) and Stanley Mayerfeld (3:53:24).
OHEL’s runners come from all over—New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles and Canada—and they all have personal stories inspiring them to run, whether it is for health, social or charitable reasons.
“I got to a point in life where I had to quit smoking. I decided to try running as an outlet. I ran one block and was absolutely winded,” said Stanley Mayerfeld of Team OHEL. “I gradually increased my running distance and felt so accomplished when I reached a half mile. I never thought I would run a marathon. Well, it’s been seven years since I last had a cigarette.”
Team OHEL would just be a brand name without the continued help of our many supporters. “We are so thankful to our amazing runners who go far beyond the norm in their fundraising, running and support of OHEL’s children and families,” said Meital Cafri, event coordinator for OHEL.
Alan Secter, OHEL’s chief development officer, added, “Team OHEL’s contributions inspire countless others to join them in opening new doors of support and opportunity from the most vulnerable in our community, to everyday individuals and families facing significant life challenges.”
OHEL’s generous fundraisers were led by Linda Isaacson Markovitch, Ernest Isaacson and Jonathan Glaubach.
OHEL has collaborated with the TCS New York City Marathon since 2009 and the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon for the last two years.
Up next for Team OHEL are the Jerusalem Winners Marathon (March 9), United Airlines NYC Half (March 18), Five Boro Bike Tour (May 6) and the OHEL Xtreme Challenge Classic (May 27). Now’s the time to hit the ground running. If you’re interested in joining Team OHEL as a runner, biker or fundraising supporter, please contact Meital Cafri at 718-686-3217 or [email protected].
