It started with an idea – to remember a son, who had lost his life to addiction. Michael Shenkman came to Chrysalis with a plan to bring together his community for a memorial ride. The goal was to celebrate the importance of second chances for people who had experienced barriers to starting over.
With almost three decades in the fitness business as a personal trainer and gym owner, Michael used his resources to organize an event at his fitness studio, CycleTRaX. With support from his wife and co-owner, Nadine Wolf, the two set up a fundraising team via everydayhero.
From online fundraisers and donations collected in person, the inaugural Matthew Shenkman Memorial Ride at CycleTRaX raised more than $25,000. Michael and his family had blown past their initial fundraising goal of $10,000. But more importantly, their Woodland Hills TRX and cycling studio was packed with family as well as new and old friends on the day of the memorial ride.
Chrysalis is honored to have been a part of this very special way to remember Matthew and thankful that his legacy will live on through our programs.
Learn more about everydayhero and how the Shenkmans started their fundraising event: ChangeLives.org/everydayhero.