VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 6/10/2024
As former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said: “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” And now thanks to the Virginia Beach based non-profit ‘The Noblemen’, their newly named “Rollin’ With Kimball” adaptive bike initiative, many physically challenged youths in Hampton Roads will continue to experience that pleasure for themselves. Several years ago, 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, The Noblemen have been making that vision a reality, having identified over 100 local children with special needs. Working with the children’s parents and doctors, Rifton Equipment has designed three-wheeled bicycles for each child to ride.
When the group decided to start providing adaptive bikes to local families, former Noblemen member Kimball Payne enthusiastically jumped on board. Payne, a member of the Noblemen for 15 years, 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. Because of this, The Noblemen have now named their Adaptive Bike Program, “Rollin’ With Kimball”, in his honor. At the time of this writing, more than half of all the adaptive bikes provided by the Noblemen have come from funds donated by friends of Kimball.
“Adaptive bikes provide physically challenged children with greater inclusion in their neighborhoods while strengthening family ties,” said Noblemen founder Al Midgett. “Imagine the delight of seeing your child, previously confined to a wheelchair, now able to ride their own bike down the street with their family and friends under their own power. All of the parents have shared with us just how much their child’s new bike has transformed their lives.”
“Through this program, Kimball’s generosity of spirit lives on,” said Noblemen Treasurer and former colleague Pete Reuss. “It’s the PERFECT fit.”
About The Noblemen – THE NOBLEMEN are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our mission is to identify and perform “Noble Deeds” for local children in need of help or assistance. We hope that you will you join us as we continue helping kids, and changing lives throughout the entire Hampton Roads area. Learn more: https://thenoblemen.org/
