Attendees took time out of their panel discussions, education and networking in San Antonio on Wednesday to help build more than 30 children’s bicycles and Big Wheels as part of the sixth annual “Make a Child Smile” charity event, sponsored by WINDWARD Consulting | Software – ResWare. The bikes and corresponding helmets were presented to San Antonio-based Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services on Thursday afternoon.
“We are pleased to have WINDWARD Consulting partner with us on this philanthropic event for the sixth consecutive year,” said Erica Meyer, CEO and publisher of October Research, LLC. “Since we began this partnership, more than 200 bikes and Big Wheels have been assembled and donated, in Cleveland, New Orleans, Atlanta, Charlotte and San Antonio. We believe in giving back to the communities in which our industries serve, and this has become a highlight of our event.”
Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services is a private, non-profit child placing agency in San Antonio. With more than 100 foster children in its care and more than 50 licensed families, this group is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children throughout Texas.
The agency is dedicated to helping foster children achieve their potential by providing a safe and nurturing environment where quality care establishes the foundation for lifelong success. Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services works in partnership with diverse families and communities and strives to meet the needs of children in a professional, comprehensive, highly ethical and caring manner.
“It is a pleasure and honor to co-coordinate and sponsor the Make A Child Smile event again this sixth consecutive year. I very much appreciate the opportunity that October Research gives us each year to make it possible for like-minded people in our industry to come together, assemble bikes and riding toys, and make a difference in the lives of children,” said Curt Szymanski, president of WINDWARD Consulting | Software. “It is a great opportunity to remember to ‘Pay It Forward’ amongst our busy and hectic lives, helping all of us keep our priorities straight by helping others.”
Syzmanski earlier Thursday was presented with the 2017 October Research Award for Philanthropy for his charitable efforts throughout the country during his career.
The bikes and Big Wheels were presented Thursday to Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services Executive Director Ronald Brown, who thanked participants and WINDWARD for their efforts to help the children.
“Riding bikes is one of the most enduring delights of childhood, continuing on into adulthood,” Brown said. “None of us forgets the feeling of elation when we received that bicycle and learned to ride. For children who have been deprived of so much, what a wonderful and appropriate gift! Our deepest gratitude to everyone involved.”