Here are some of the philanthropic activities and events we do throughout the year for our community here in Coastal Virginia.
Volunteers are always welcomed!
ADAPTIVE BIKES INITIATIVE
The Noblemen recognized the need for a program designed to provide every child in Hampton Roads who cannot ride a conventional bike an adaptive bike that enabled them to do so. Since then, with community partners C.H.K.D. and Children’s Assistive Technology Service, they have been making that vision a reality for over 100 local children with special needs! Working with the children’s parents and doctors, our partners at Rifton Equipment design three-wheeled bicycles for each child to ride.
The Adaptive Bikes Initiative has now been named, “Rollin’ With Kimball”, in honor of Kimball Payne, a member of the Noblemen for 15 years. Payne was a champion for anyone disadvantaged, and relished the opportunity to connect with children, especially delivering toys and bikes as part of the Noblemen holiday toy drive. Unfortunately, Kimball passed away in February 2023, but not before his irresistible personality and dedication to helping others changed numerous local families’ lives.
SPECIAL NEEDS AIRSHOW
Since 2009, The Noblemen have had the pleasure of partnering with Naval Air Station Oceana to host a chalet on the flight line for the annual airshow. This event allows local special needs children and all of their family members to enjoy an incredible airshow without having to worry about the huge crowds that are present on the weekend. The Noblemen supply food and beverages and the performers from the airshow come by to meet, take photographs and sign autographs for the children. And the highlight every year is a personal visit from the Blue Angels!
Hundreds of special need children and their families have had the opportunity for a once in a lifetime airshow experience over the last 15 years.
HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
In 2004, Tracy Reuss Glasheen inspired what is now the ‘Noblemen Toy Drive’. In her last year battling breast cancer, Tracy decided to leave a lasting Christmas lesson on her three children. She asked each child to gather one of their favorite toys and get ready to give them away at a local homeless shelter. After much reluctance, they went to the shelter and their lives changed. They instantly realized, for the first time, how fortunate they were and saw other children with next to nothing. On the trip home, Tracy’s kids excitedly talked about more ways to give to their new friends in the shelter.
Tracy’s story sparked the idea to donate toys, find great local kids to give them to and have our own children do the giving. In 2004, we gave 67 toys to 32 kids in an after school program. Fast forward to today, we gave out approximately 50,000 toys to more than 6,400 kids and nearly every toy was given to a child by a child.
HOLIDAY TROLLEY RIDE
Every year a few weeks prior to Christmas, The Noblemen provide gifts and holiday spirit for EdMarc Families. Edmarc is a pediatric home health and hospice serving children with life-threatening illnesses throughout Hampton Roads. Our members, along with volunteers, visit each home and provide the yuletide spirit with a visit from Santa Clause in addition to a sleigh full of gifts for not only the children but everyone in the home as well. While there we sing Christmas carols to all and bring an evening of warmth and love to the families!
In many cases this is a very moving experience for everyone involved, as it can possibly be the last time that the child and their family will be able to celebrate the holidays together…
