Mamaroneck ‘Ironman’ Raises Thousands for Adoption Organization

 Mamaroneck resident Sam Karliner swam 2.4 miles of water, biked 112 miles and ran 26.2 miles to raise thousands of dollars for Rye Brook-based organization Forever Families Through Adoption at the grueling Ironman Triathlon last weekend. Karliner and his wife adopted their two sons Elliot and Jacon 18 years ago and want other families to discover the joy of adoption and raising a family.

Karliner is also on the board of directors for FFTA, which works with families and pregnant women to help place children in loving and nurturing homes.

“Adoption enabled Sam to create his family. However, like the IRONMAN, the road to adoption can be a challenging one,” said Joy and Michael Goldstein, Co-Founders of FFTA in a press release. “There are times it seems like you’ll never reach your dream. Both the IRONMAN race and the adoption process require you to dig deep, to persevere — especially when things get tough.”

The Goldsteins and friends and family cheered Karliner on at the Ironman, which took place in Lake Placid, New York on July 28. He finished the 2.4 mile swim in 1:19, the 112 miles of biking in 6:31 and the 26.2 miles on foot before dusk. He has raised over $3,600 for FFTA.

“What an exciting event to be a part of,” the Goldsteins wrote. “As a spectator the role is thrilling...supporting and cheering for many hours not only our own Sam, but also doing the same for the thousands of others that passed by our cheering section on the way to or from their many miles of biking and running.”

FFTA is asking the public to consider donating to Karliner’s page in support of FFTA. You can do so here.

More on FFTA:

Forever Families Through Adoption (FFTA). FFTA is a non-profit 501c3 adoption placement agency and resource center in Rye Brook www.foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org which believes every child has the right to grow up in a loving, nurturing, secure, and forever home. FFTA works with families and pregnant women to ensure a smooth and successful adoption, and Sam proudly sits on FFTA’s Board of Directors. 

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