Weston proclaims December 'Rick Case Bikes for Kids' month; organizers urge bike donations

Mayor Margaret Brown presented a proclamation recognizing the Rick Case Bikes for Kids program and invited Rita Case and Ryan Case to accept it and speak about the initiative.

The proclamation notes the program began in 1982 and that, across its history, more than 122,000 bicycles have been donated to underserved children. “They actually give of themselves, their time, their talent, and their treasures,” Mayor Margaret Brown said while presenting a mayoral coin to the program organizers.

Ryan Case described how the program started in Ohio and expanded into South Florida, urging residents to bring unused bicycles to any Rick Case dealership between Oct. 1 and Dec. 22 so organizers can prepare and distribute them for the holidays. “Bring it into any of our dealerships before December 22, and we’ll get it to a child in time,” he said.

The proclamation thanks the Rick Case Automotive Group for partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs and other local charities that receive and distribute bicycles. Organizers said the local goal for the current season is 2,000 bikes and reminded residents that stores and several partner organizations serve as collection outlets across South Florida.

The mayor’s office and program representatives encouraged community members to check the city and program websites for collection locations and deadlines. The item concluded with the commission presenting commemorative coins to the organizers and brief expressions of community appreciation.