PORTAGE CLUB KIDS RECEIVE SURPRISE BIKES FROM DENTAL STUDY CLUB OF NWI

APRIL 24, 2025, Portage, Ind. – A group of kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI) received the best surprise ever yesterday. Twenty Club kids ages 6 to 9 years old arrived at Avalon Manor last night expecting to attend an educational session about proper dental care.  Instead, they each received a new bicycle donated and built that day by a member of The Dental Study Club of Northwest Indiana, a local not-for-profit professional dental organization. Neither the children nor the dental team knew the gift would be made in person that day, and the joy and excitement from both groups was overflowing.

The bike build was the central activity during a team-building event called “The Power of Purpose,” in which dentists and their teams took part to foster communication, teamwork, and collaboration. To their surprise, they were able to present the bikes along with helmets and bike locks to their new owners on the spot. The children had been selected based on need or being from an underserved community, with some never having owned a bike before.

“It’s heartwarming to know that members of our community are willing to step outside of their daily lives to give back to our kids in such a meaningful way,” shared Mike Jessen, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “We are grateful for the Dental Study Group of Northwest Indiana for this special surprise, which will provide our Club kids with an avenue for physical activity and independence. What may seem like a small thing to us can mean so much to a child at that age.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana to create a lasting impact on the youth in our community. This program reflects our commitment to giving back while continuing to improve our professional development. It’s about more than just dentistry – it's about supporting the future of our community in a fun and meaningful way,” shared Dr. Gene Ranieri, Director and Founder of Dental Study Club of Northwest Indiana.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana programs and services, visit bgcgreaternwi.org.



About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides safe and enriching environments for young people, offering programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. Serving over 8,000 youth annually throughout Lake and Porter Counties, the organization is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.