Nearly 500 riders are currently biking the 180-mile stretch between Stamford, CT, and Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. The ride, known as Bike4Chai, is a project of Chai Lifeline, a charity that helps families impacted by childhood cancer and other illnesses.
This year’s ride has already raised $6.7M for Camp Simcha, which allows 400 (if not more) health-challenged children to experience the joys of summer camp.
Meridian Capital Group is responsible for nearly $1.1M of the funds raised. The charity attracted the attention of the firm several years ago and this year’s field includes six Team Meridian riders.
Meridian Capital Group CEO Ralph Herzka tells Bisnow his team does not leave a meeting without mentioning the cause and asking for sponsorship. Senior managing director Abe Hirsch adds the cause is incredibly important to the firm. “The camp is really about giving kids the time of their lives,” Abe says. “Some of them are terminally ill and some of them are still on the road to recovery. There are numerous amazing experiences created for these campers as well as special day trips during their time there. The counselors are dressed in costumes and whatever a child wants, the camp tries to accommodate it.”
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