For more than 40 years, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has collected upwards of 100,000 gently used bicycles from the local community at their dealerships in Broward County, Florida; Duluth, Georgia; and Roswell, Georgia. The bikes are donated to children through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Women in Distress, Broward County Public Schools and other local charitable organizations, churches, synagogues and schools.
“As the daughter of a car and motorcycle dealer, I have always been immersed in the world of transportation. I have fond memories of riding my bike through my neighborhood when I was a little girl,” said Rita Case, President and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group. “I believe every child deserves that freedom of pedaling to friends’ houses, the store and school. Without this program, these kids wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to own a bike. We are empowering them with a sense of freedom, independence and responsibility as they mature into young adults.”
A select group of approximately one dozen members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County had an extra special treat. Rick Case Kia in Sunrise, Florida transformed into the North Pole, complete with a visit from Santa. The Case family, including Rita’s children Ryan and Raquel, and several Rick Case employees were on hand to act as Santa’s helpers. The kids rode off into the sunset on their two wheels, ear-to-ear smiles and, of course, helmets on their heads. For some kids like Si’Bell M., this is their first-ever bike.
“We make sure that no Boys & Girls Club member feels left out during the holidays. We understand that not all families can afford to purchase 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,” said Matt Organ, Co-CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. “We want to make sure the holidays are merry and joyous for all children.”
Rita plans to continue this tradition for years to come to carry on the legacy of her husband Rick, who passed away in 2020. The couple launched Rick Case Bikes for Kids together in 1982 and have been matching kids with bikes every year since.