As my “retirement week” draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment and send you my sincerest thanks for all your support and dedication over the years.

YOU, our incredible community, helped to make our programs and impact a reality with more than 6,850 adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers, and communication devices presented to kids since 2012 (surpassing $10.2 million in equipment)!

As I prepare to depart, my deepest request is that you stay involved with Variety and its life-changing work.

Since kicking off My Bike in 2012 (and then My Stroller / My Voice in 2014), our impact has been non-stop with a rising desperation from families to get this equipment for their children.

More than ever, Variety needs to help kids with disabilities get this life-changing equipment.

However, as we transition to the new Rifton bike model, we are faced with raising a lot more funds, as the new model costs significantly more.

The new bike model was unveiled this year after 10 years of research, so there are so many enhancements to help even more kids, but now, Variety desperately need new sponsors to keep the program going strong.

Here are a few ways to act now:

• Make a donation to Variety’s My Bike 2.0 Fundraising Campaign, and/or ask your employer if they would consider supporting this critical campaign.
• Rally your friends, family, and/or co-workers to “Build-A-Bike” this holiday season, and it will help us give another child an adaptive bike of their own! Click here to create your own fundraiser.
• Share with everyone you can that Variety programs exist, as so many don’t know that our programs are available, especially since all equipment is presented for free to families that qualify.

For an extra dose of joy, I wanted to share a quick smile with you from Demi, who received her new adaptive bike in August!

Demi’s mom, Maria explained,

“Demi’s new adaptive bike not only helps her improve her muscle ton and keep her active, but it will also help her feel like she can keep up with her brother and peers.

Demi is a very active 5 year old, who loves to be as independent as possible. This bike will help her confidence and make family time outside a lot more fun for her… and less stressful for mom dad!”

Thank you so very much for whatever you can do, and please reach out to us if you have any fundraising ideas to help kids, be kids!

Take good care,

Charlie

Charles P. LaVallee
Chief Executive Officer
Variety – the Children’s Charity