At last year’s Principal Charity Classic, four-year-old Briggs received a gift that changed his world - a specialized bike made possible through the generosity of Principal Financial Group and longtime supporters Sally & Carl Harris.
Briggs is a bright and energetic child who lives near a bike trail and has always loved being outdoors. For years, he watched other children ride with no way to join them. Due to his physical challenges, a standard bike simply wasn’t safe or functional for him. That changed when Variety’s Mobility Program provided him with an adaptive bicycle designed to meet his needs.
Since receiving his bike, Briggs’s life has blossomed in new ways. He’s now able to safely exercise, strengthen his muscles, improve coordination, and - perhaps best of all - ride alongside his older brother, just like any other kid. His mom recently shared a heartwarming update:
“Briggs has enjoyed his bike all year round! We were able to go to parks as a family, and he was so proud to ride his bike like a big boy. He sometimes gets distracted because he loves people - so we’re still working on steering to avoid bumping into things! It was so nice to have the bike inside during the winter, so he could keep building strength. We can’t thank everyone involved with this wonderful gift enough!
Stories like Briggs’s are at the heart of Variety’s Mobility Program. Every child deserves the chance to feel included, empowered, and independent - and with the right equipment, that’s possible. Whether it’s a specialized bike, gait trainer, mobile stander, or custom stroller, these tools unlock so much more than movement. They create opportunities - for joy, for connection, for freedom.
What began as a small effort to provide adaptive bikes has grown into a statewide initiative. We now collaborate with physical therapists to identify children across the state who can benefit from this equipment. Sadly, these items are often not covered by insurance and remain financially out of reach for many families. That’s where our partners, like Principal and the Principal Charity Classic, come in - helping us bridge that gap and deliver life-changing support.
Thanks to their unwavering commitment, children like Briggs are not just riding bikes - they’re riding toward brighter futures.
