During this holiday season, several children from the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Women in Distress, Broward County public schools, and other local charitable organizations, churches, and schools in South Florida and the Atlanta metro area received a special gift from “Santa’s helpers.”
On December 21, the Rick Case Bikes for Kids initiative collected upwards of 100,000 bikes from the local communities to ensure no child feels left out.
“Being the daughter of a car and motorcycle dealer, I’ve always had a deep connection to the transportation industry.” The President and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group, Rita Case, reminisced about her childhood bike rides across her neighborhood. “I think all kids should be able to ride their bike to school, the store, and their friends’ houses. These kids wouldn’t otherwise be able to own a bike if it weren’t for this program. As kids grow into young adults, we give them autonomy, independence, and responsibility,” she continues.
An additional special treat was in store for a select group of about a dozen Broward County Boys & Girls Club members. Santa even paid a visit to Rick Case Kia in Sunrise, Florida, which was converted into the North Pole. Santa’s helpers were the Case family, which included Rita’s kids Ryan and Raquel, and a few Rick Case staff members. With broad grins and safety gear atop their heads, the children pedaled off into the sunset.
“We see to it that no Boys & Girls Club member experiences loneliness throughout the Christmas season,” Matt Organ, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, stated. Additionally, he notes, “We recognize that not all families can afford to buy gifts on their own, But every year, Rita Case and Rick Case Bikes for Kids lend a helping hand by collecting bikes for these deserving kids, and we thank them for their ongoing generosity to spearhead this initiative.”
For over 40 years, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has partnered with communities from surrounding dealerships in Broward County, Florida; Duluth, Georgia; and Roswell, Georgia.
"We want to ensure every child has a happy and joyous holiday." – Matt Organ