There's something about seeing a kid ride their new, tailor-made bike for the first time that puts everything else in perspective.

My wife and I were honored to attend Project Mobility's Third Annual Long Table Dinner on Sunday night, the local nonprofit's signature fundraiser along the Fox River in downtown St. Charles.

The evening, which started with a happy hour on the second floor of the Arcada Theatre, eventually united a group of more than 120 supporters at a single table overlooking the water. From there, guests slowly worked through a delicious six-course dinner crafted by six local restaurants: The Graceful Ordinary, Gia Mia, Livia Italian Eatery, moto imōto, Ella's Italian Pub, and Fire + Wine. Dishes were paired with craft cocktails from The Lewis. 

Live music played throughout, and a silent auction and raffle added some excitement in between courses, with prizes ranging from fine jewelry to a Lake Geneva getaway package.

But the true purpose of the event arrived about halfway through dinner, when Project Mobility staff announced four local kids, one at a time, and invited them to ride their new adaptive bikes for the first time.

First up was Oliver, age 7, who has Down syndrome and autism. His mother explained what a moment like that meant for her family, reflecting on the grief that can come with a diagnosis, and the persistent worry parents feel about whether their child will ever get to do simple things like riding a bike with their siblings and friends. 

"Programs like this, like Project Mobility, give that dream back to us as parents," she said.

The next recipient was Sophie, age 9, who is nonverbal and lives with epilepsy. She'd already been spotted sitting on her new bike earlier in the night, absolutely thrilled, clearly not willing to wait. Jeny, 17, who has cerebral palsy, was up next. Her father said a few words of thanks before she got to take her new ride for a spin. 

And then came Amina, age 8, who has PURA syndrome, autism, and developmental delays, creating daily physical challenges that make riding a traditional bicycle impossible. For the third year in a row, State Bank of Geneva fully sponsored an adaptive bike for a child at the Long Table Dinner, and this year Amina was that recipient.

Project Mobility says each bike is made possible through months of fundraising, empowering children with disabilities to experience the freedom, independence, and inclusion that many of us take for granted.

"The Long Table Dinner is a celebration of what happens when a community comes together for a common purpose," said Katherine Reda, Program & Event Director for Project Mobility. "Every ticket helps create life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities."

It's easy to contribute to a fundraiser, but actually seeing members of the community come together to create life-changing experiences for local kids is pretty special. 

Learn more about Project Mobility and how you can support the cause.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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