Variety- the Children’s Charity Joins RAGBRAI 2016!

Variety- the Children’s Charity will be awarding bikes, locks and helmets to underprivileged and at-risk children during RAGBRAI XLIV!

As part of Variety’s Bikes for Kids program, Variety has teamed up with RAGBRAI and will present brand new bikes, locks and helmets to children in five overnight towns; Shenandoah, Creston, Centerville, Ottumwa and Washington.

“Variety is thrilled to collaborate with RAGBRAI to present bikes to children throughout southern Iowa,” said Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety. “RAGBRAI is a natural partner for our Bikes for Kids program and will enable Variety to expand the reach of the program.”

Variety is working with schools in each partner overnight town to identify children in need of a new bike. Each evening Variety will present 35 bikes on stage during the RAGBRAI celebration. Variety will also have booth space in partner overnight towns to raise awareness for Variety’s traditional and specialized bike programs and collect donations.

“We are excited to partner with Variety- the Children’s Charity during this summer’s RAGBRAI event.” said T.J. Juskiewicz, RAGBRAI Director, “RAGBRAI strives to leave a legacy in our host communities and make them more bike-friendly.  We applaud Variety- the Children’s Charity’s awarding of new bikes, locks and helmets to underprivileged and at-risk children in our RAGBRAI communities!”

All funds raised during RAGBRAI will be designated to Variety’s Bikes for Kids program.

Bikes for Kids

Variety’s Bikes for Kids program provides new bikes, helmets and locks to children have never had their own bike, new or old.  Variety works with a designated school district/community to provide the names of qualified children between the ages of 5-12.  Children who are identified by the school/community are asked to fill out an application detailing why they would like a new bike. Upon receipt of the applications, the children are told they have won a new bike. During the bike presentation, each child is fitted with a helmet and signs a pledge to ride safely and responsibly.

About Variety

Variety is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children throughout Iowa. Funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well being of children in our community. For more information on how you can be a part of our work, please visit varietyiowa.com