Friendship Circle Wins $100k in Chase Giving Contest

Michigan’s Friendship Circle is one of five runner-ups in the controversial Chase Community Giving Contest and will receive a $100,000 prize.

Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs. The majority of their work with takes place at the Ferber Kaufman LifeTown building in West Bloomfield, Michigan, a 23,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility, which serves as a therapy and activity center, social meeting place, and hub for a network of volunteers, professional staff, and supporters.

The Friendship Circle consists of five parts – volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters – all joining together to form a seamless community of friendship. Just as a circle has neither end nor beginning, their community offers promise, hope and love that have no bounds.

The only Jewish charity to make the final contest cut, Friendship Circle was established in 1994 by Rabbi Levi & Bassie Shemtov and has since grown to 80 locations in seven countries with over 800 volunteers, 200 Families and 2,500+ students participating in the Lessons for Life program.