WTOL Your Day
At Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, we believe in giving to those in the community who make it a better place. That often includes children, as they frequently have the biggest hearts.
What is Bikes for Kids?
Our 10th Annual Bikes for Kids Contest is a tradition close to our hearts. Every year, community members, parents, teachers, and friends nominate children in our community who have overcome a challenge or have gone the extra mile for others. From those nominated, our selection committee chooses 10 kids to each win a free bicycle.
Wersell’s Bike Shop’s owner, Jill Wersell, helps us source the bikes, and she also donates a helmet and bike lock to each child! Thank you, Jill!
Making it Work in 2020
Unfortunately, because of the nation-wide bicycle shortage, Bikes for Kids looks a little different this year. With bikes on backorder, Chuck decided to treat each of the winners to a fun experience at the Toledo Zoo in addition to a free bike. As soon as Wersell’s Bike Shop can get them in, we’ll give each child their bike.
Meet our winners!
Our third winner is Eden Tillman! Thank you to the Toledo Zoo for shooting the video used in these segments.
 |
Eden Tillman
Eden is 10 years old and was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a developmental disorder that has affected many parts of her body. Eden cannot hear and does not speak. But don’t be fooled by what you see, Eden is a firecracker! As we spent time with Eden, her mom, Andrea, and her sister Raven, we were able to see much of her personality emerge. Eden LOVES animals, and especially reptiles! When she saw the milk snake, she was mesmerized. When Eden wasn’t keen on one of the animals, she made her disapproval known! According to her mom, Andrea, Eden loves to run (when she wants to!), play, and get into all kinds of mischief. Eden has a busy mind! We were honored to be able to host Eden, Andrea, and Raven at the Toledo Zoo, and we are especially excited to be able to gift Eden and Andrea a special adaptive bike that will allow the family to get out of the house more and give Eden a chance to exercise those speedy legs! |
Reed Ponton and Madison Mendoza! Thank you to the Toledo Zoo for being such gracious hosts and for shooting the video used in these segments.
 |
Reed Ponton
Reed was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in January of this year. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a muscle-wasting disease that will likely cause him to be wheelchair-bound in the next five years. Reed is only seven. While Reed is a shy one, he is so strong and faces each day with bravery and determination. Reed loves riding his bike with his two brothers, but due to the disease’s rapid progression, it is now almost impossible for him to ride. Sometimes, his brothers push him so he can still ride! We are working with Reed’s parents and his physical therapists to buy him an adaptive bike that will help him have fun with his brothers and will even help him at school. Our hope is that this bike will give Reed a bit of independence back and will help him as he and his family do all they can to fight this disease. |
 |
Madison Mendoza
Madison’s mom, Jessica, describes Madison as, “… a selfless kid, [she] will always help me out with her three younger siblings.” Jessica is a single mom who works full-time while raising her four kids. At only nine years old, Madison is always ready to help in any way she can. Even at the Zoo, we could see Madison watching over her siblings, making sure they each had a turn. Madison has a contagious, mischievous smile under her mask, and she has a deep love of animals. Her favorite animal is the Red Panda! While it took a minute for her to warm up to Emerson, we think they came to a healthy understanding. Madison has never been able to ride a bike, and at nearly 5’7”, she now needs a full-sized bike to get rolling. Jessica says Madison has been the target of bullying because of her height, but with her new bike, we hope she will be able to leave the bullies in the dust. |
Check our segment about Reed and Madison on WTOL:
The Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC began its annual Bikes for Kids contest in 2009 to promote bicycle safety and recognize deserving children in the community. From those nominated, we choose 10 lucky children to receive free bikes from Wersell’s Bike Shop. Helmet and locks are included, courtesy of Wersell’s Bicycle Shop in Toledo!
Since its inception, we have given away more than 100 bikes! Children may be nominated for any reason by parents, grandparents, teachers, family members, and family friends! We love recognizing those who have had a positive impact in their community or who have persevered in the face of adversity.
Nomination Form
Nominations are still open! Have a child you’d like to submit? Nominate them today!
