Hundreds Gather for the 17th annual Bean Automotive Group Walking4Friendship 3K to Support Friendship Circle of Miami

MIAMI, FL – March 2026 – More than 500 community members gathered for the 17th Annual Walking4Friendship 3k, a family friendly event dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals with special needs. Sponsored by Bean Automotive Group, the event brought together families, volunteers, local businesses, and supporters for a meaningful day focused on connection, inclusion, and community.

Hosted by Friendship Circle of Miami, Walking4Friendship serves both as a fundraiser and a powerful symbol of community support. Participants walked a three kilometer route before enjoying a family carnival featuring games, activities, and entertainment for attendees of all ages.

Founded in 2004 and directed by Rabbi Yossi and Nechama Harlig, Friendship Circle of Miami is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building lasting friendships and cultivating life skills for children, teens, and adults with special needs. Through programs that focus on social connection, creativity, and independence, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact.

“This is all about community and that’s what Bean Automotive Group is about, our community and giving back in every way we can” said Chris Roberts, president and CEO of Bean Automotive Group.

Beyond Supporting the annual walk, Bean Automotive Group also partners with Friendship Circle through the Life Skills Around Town program, which helps teens with special needs develop independent and real word life skills. Participants ages 11 – 17 travel throughout the community on the Friendship Circle bus to visit everyday locations such as supermarkets, libraries, banks, public transportation stops, and auto shops, where they learn appropriate behaviors and practical skills for living more independently.

During one recent visit to Kendall Toyota, participants were introduced to basic vehicle awareness and safety skills, including recognizing when windshield washer or tire pressure may be low and learning how these simple maintenance tasks are handled. The experience provided a practical and engaging way for participants to build confidence while learning responsibilities that support greater independence.

“It’s a great privilege for us to have this partnership again with Lori and Chris and their amazing team,” said Rabbi Yossi Harlig, Executive Director of Friendship Circle of Miami. “They are here on a Sunday not because they have to,but because they want to. Not only have they served as our title sponsor for five consecutive years, they also generously supported our new campus by naming the walkway between our buildings the Bean Automotive Walkway, a path we walk on everyday.”

Walking4Friendship continues to be one of the Friendship Circle of Miami’s most impactful community events, raising critical funds that support programs such as art and music classes, social programs, camps during school breaks, and life skills programs led by instructors and volunteers.

Through the support of community partners like Bean Automotive Group and hundreds of participants each year, Friendship Circle of Miami continues to expand opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families through South Florida.

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About Bean Automotive Group
Since 1969, Bean Automotive Group has been committed to serving its customers as the leading auto dealer in South Florida. A customer-centric focus differentiates them in the industry, providing car shoppers with a simplified buying process. Treating associates and employees with the utmost ethical standards, Dealer Principal Lori Bean is recognized as one of the industry’s top women leaders. The group serves its 700 associates through fitness and wellness programs, earning it the title as South Florida’s Healthiest Employer. Above and beyond, Bean Automotive Group gives back to its community through volunteer hours and corporate contributions to Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer, Habitat for Humanity and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, among others. For a full list of charitable partners please visit www.beanauto.com/community. Visit Bean Automotive Group’s sales and service locations at Kendall Toyota, West Kendall Toyota, Lexus of Kendall, and Lexus of West Kendall. For more information contact 305-KENDALL or visit www.BeanAuto.com.