Life changing: Waterfront Long Table Dinner to benefit St. Charles nonprofit

Project Mobility in St. Charles works every day to give people with disabilities the chance to feel the wind in their face and their hearts beating fast as they ride adaptive bikes made just for them.

And it is making all the difference for families across the suburbs.

“We want to thank Project Mobility one more time for the amazing bike that our son Matthew received last year. We're extremely grateful for this bike and what it does for Matthew. Matthew enjoys his bike rides. He can't tell us, but his face says it all. … We're very lucky that Project Mobility is changing lives in the Chicagoland area!” said Cristina Stanila in a testimonial. Her son Matthew received a bike in 2022.

In another commendation, Karen Townsend, whose niece Maya received her bike in 2017, said, “Maya’s bike from Project Mobility not only changed her life by providing her freedom and the ability to move faster — it changed the life of her family as well. … Thank you again for all you do, and for giving my niece such a special gift.”

Project Mobility’s mission is to get people moving with custom builds for all ages. The group offers an Adaptive Bike Day, where people can try out the bikes and experts will assess the best build for the riders, and bike giveaways a few times a year. According to Katherine Reda, events director for Project Mobility, the average cost of an adaptive bike is about $6,000. It can run higher or lower depending on the client’s needs.

Many of the kids use the Freedom Concepts bike, which has three wheels, a rear steer for the parents to control from behind, foot plates with straps, and a tall seat back.

Reda said the kids can trade the bikes back in to get one that is bigger as they grow. Their old bike is then recycled to like new and given to another child.

In order to help with the expenses, the nonprofit hosts fundraisers like the upcoming Long Table Dinner Presented by Ivy Academy of Early Learning in Geneva and Elgin Aug. 18, where patrons can take part in a waterfront, six-course dinner. This is the first time the organization is holding this type of benefit.

Proceeds from this event will go toward helping two kids in particular receive their custom bikes. Brady, 14, of Batavia was hit by a car in May 2023 while crossing Route 31 in the crosswalk with his bicycle. According to his mom, Laura O’Neil, Brady sustained life-threatening injuries and spent the next several months in hospitals and a rehab facility.

“Fourteen months into this journey, and Brady continues to show himself and everyone that he encounters his incredible fighting spirit and his unrelenting drive to overcome the challenges he continues to face,” Laura said in an email.

“The Tri-City community area has been amazing to Brady, whether it was immediate support to the family with meals and gift cards, an incredible Wiffle ball tournament fundraiser, or the generosity of groups like Project Mobility, the kindest of friends and strangers alike is unmatched.”

The nonprofit is also raising funds for 3-year-old Connor of Tinley Park, who suffered a non-accidental traumatic brain injury in March of 2023, which damaged his brain and ability to walk and talk. State Bank of Geneva, a Project Mobility sponsor, is helping to make Connor’s dream of owning an adaptive bike a reality. Other sponsors could do the same, as well as Long Table Dinner diners.

Reda talks about the organization, the upcoming Long Table Dinner and how you can help give independence to people with disabilities.

Q: What is Project Mobility? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.

A: Project Mobility is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been “changing lives one bike at a time” for over 22 years. It all started with our family’s bike shop and the birth of my nephew Jacob, a triplet born with cerebral palsy. After his father, my brother Hal, found a specialized bike that allowed Jacob to ride with his sisters, we expanded the shop’s offerings to include adaptive bikes for other disabled children, and that led to the formation of our nonprofit, Project Mobility: Cycles for Life.

Our program takes specialized bikes to places where disabled people can see them and try them, including schools attended by children with disabilities, rehabilitation hospitals and facilities and veterans’ programs. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, adults, and wounded soldiers with disabilities by providing the services, resources, and equipment needed to promote better health, independence, and the freedom of mobility through adaptive cycling.

Q: Tell us about the upcoming Long Table Dinner.

A: The Long Table Dinner Long Table Dinner Presented by Ivy Academy of Early Learning is a multicourse, al fresco waterfront dinner that will highlight local St. Charles restaurants and benefit Project Mobility. It’s being held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, kicking off with a one-hour “Bubbles & Brews Reception” at Pollyanna Brewing, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, followed by dinner at 20 S. Riverside Ave.

Guests are asked to wear summer whites to show their support for Project Mobility. They’ll be treated to a curated six-course dinner and craft cocktail pairing along the Fox River, complete with live music, a silent auction, and one of Project Mobility’s thrilling adaptive bike giveaways. The cost per ticket is $150, with funds going to support Project Mobility’s programming.

Q: Where do the majority of your funds come from to support this program?

A: Project Mobility funding comes from donations, sponsors, and our signature fundraising events that have become intrinsic parts of the St. Charles community. They are:

• Everybody Rides — We just completed our 12th Everybody Rides event June 9. It features a 1.6-mile ride perfect for those with training wheels, on adaptive bikes, or being pulled by a Burley; a 10-mile trail ride; and a 29-, 46-, and 62-mile road ride for more experienced riders. The event includes an adaptive bike giveaway, as well as a party in the park that features food, beer, live music and raffles.

• Hops for Hope 5K and St. Charles Brewfest, which will take place Oct. 5. This will be our eighth year hosting Hops for Hope. It’s a timed 5K event run on a certified course, and it was named one of the Top 100 Races in America by BibRave. The course features six beer stops featuring local craft breweries handing out 3-ounce beer samples to runners, and after the run participants get 18 samples of beer while listening to live music and enjoying a variety of food options provided by our sponsors. The event also features raffles, games, activities for kids, and an adaptive bike giveaway. At last year’s event, we donated nearly $20,000 in adaptive bicycles.

Q: How can readers help your organization?

A: Readers who would like to help our organization can support us by attending any of our events and by making donations through our website, projectmobility.org. We also welcome volunteers and sponsors.

Project Mobility Long Table Dinner Presented by Ivy Academy of Early Learning

What: A multicourse, waterfront dinner that will highlight local St. Charles restaurants and benefit Project Mobility.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18

Where: Starts with a one-hour “Bubbles & Brews Reception” at Pollyanna Brewing, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, followed by dinner at 20 S. Riverside Ave.

Cost: $150

Details: projectmobility.org/