On January 5^th, the YMCA in Boca Raton boasted the 2^nd Annual Together We See eyeRun 5K, run by Jacob Goldberg, PC Class of ’12. Goldberg began Together We See in 2007 to send underprivileged children to Quest Camp Thunderbird, a nonprofit camp he attended for blind and disabled children to experience and partake in summer camp activities. Inspired by Goldberg’s passion for running, Together We See has sponsored an annual 5K since 2012 in order to raise money. This year’s race nearly doubled the funds raised at the first race last year, coming in with $20,000.

400 people, from all different age groups, participated in the races, from a Kids’ Dash to a Mile Run and a competitive 5K. The Miami Heat Dancers were also in attendance, performing for the runners before they took their mark, while the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders ran the mile with some big fans. But some say their favorite part was watching someone run the 5K race in a chicken suit, honoring Hurricane Wings and their support for Jacob’s cause. More than twenty-five PC students, alumni, and faculty attended the race as well. When asked about her favorite part about the race, Sabrina Udwin, Class of 2014, said, “I enjoyed being able to support a peer with fellow members of our community and our school.”

Not only did the event include races, but there was also a raffle with prizes donated to Together We See, including a 32” LCD TV, $300 FlyWheel gift basket, Camera Classes with Little’s Photography, and many more. After the runners crossed the finish line, Hurrican Grill, Lindburgers, Rock N’ Roll Ribs, That’s a Wrap, Palm Beach Bagel, and several other local businesses sponsored a delicious barbecue.

The run offers an opportunity for the community to give back to those less fortunate and also is a learning experience for Goldberg; “I finally embraced something that will be very beneficial to me from now on: persistence,” he said. “Working to raise $15,000 in sponsorship money this summer was not an easy task, and although I was told “no” quite often, I got back up on my two feet and kept searching for prospective sponsors for my race until a month or so into the summer, $15,000 was raised to sponsor my event.”

Goldberg is an inspiration to not only the kids he volunteers for, but also the students and staff at Pine Crest School. Coach Pliske, Jacob’s former cross-country coach, is amazed with all he has accomplished. “Jacob Goldberg has inspired me in so many ways. I learned about Jacob’s disability after speaking with his mom at a race. I did not know that he was legally blind or had Tourette’s Syndrome until she told me,” she said. “After talking with Jacob while at practice, he told me about his charity and all that he does in the community. I was blown away by all he does.  When Jacob is honored or receives accolades, he immediately thinks about how he can pay it forward. Jacob is the most selfless person I’ve met. He truly is about making the world a better place.”

Since its founding in 2007, Together We See has raised over $80,000 for Quest Camp Thunderbird, and they are still collecting. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made payable to the Runner’s Edge Foundation and addressed to:

Jacob Goldberg

10652 Plainview Circle

Boca Raton, FL 33498