Attendees took time out of their panel discussions, education and networking in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday to help build more than 30 children’s bicycles and Big Wheels as part of the fifth annual “Make a Child Smile” charity event, sponsored by WINDWARD Consulting | Software – ResWare. The bikes and corresponding helmets were presented to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte on Tuesday afternoon.
"We are pleased to have WINDWARD Consulting partner with us on this philanthropic event for the fifth consecutive year,” said Erica Meyer, CEO and publisher of October Research, LLC. “We believe in giving back to the communities in which our industries serve, and building bikes for a local charity has become a highlight of this annual event. We are also excited to once again be partnering with the Ronald McDonald House, which does such great work to serve the needs of the families of ill and injured children.”
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children by providing temporary housing and support services to families of ill and injured children being treated at local hospitals.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is the fifth facility in North Carolina. The first one in the state opened in Durham in 1980. The Charlotte facility opened in May 2011 with 28 bedrooms and served 534 families last year. The year’s activities included the dedication of a Healing Garden in November.
“The Make a Child Smile event is truly an awesome opportunity to come together and contribute to those who are experiencing a very difficult time in their lives,” said Curt Szymanski, president of WINDWARD Consulting | Software. “Partnering with the Ronald McDonald House to deliver bikes and riding toys to those families who rely on its care and knowing that we can help to make a difference in the lives of these families and children is indeed a great privilege.
“At Windward, we feel honored to have been able to sponsor and host this event alongside October Research for the last five years, and look forward to continuing bringing smiles to many more children in years to come. We also would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who gave of their time to help assemble the over 30 bikes and riding toys. Without all the help of the attendees of NS3, this event would not be possible.”
The bikes were presented Tuesday to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, and Development and Communications Director Jenna Westbrook said it’s little things such as the donation of a bike that truly can make a difference for a child and family.
“When a family has a sick or injured child, their world is often turned upside down. Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte have traveled to an unfamiliar city, away from family and friends, and spend their days in hospital rooms, often unsure of what comes next,” Westbrook said. “At the House, we understand that it’s the little things that provide comfort and relief for these families during their time of need. A comfortable bed, a warm meal, fresh baked cookies – all the things that remind you of home.
“John F. Kennedy once said, ‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.’ That rings so true for the children and families we serve. What feels more like home for a child than being able to ride their bike through the neighborhood? These simple pleasures help our children and families feel a sense of normalcy despite the stress and uncertainty in their lives.”