In its first year, Bikes or Bust brought in nearly 450 bikes, but since then, the event has grown, adding an incredible amount of participants and bringing in more than 1,500 bikes in 2017.
The 2018 Bikes or Bust drive is set to kick off on Thursday, November 29 at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach. The staff of Highway 98 Country and Community Broadcasters, along with volunteers from numerous organizations, will be collecting new bikes and helmets during the event.
The drive begins at noon on Nov. 29 and ends at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 3.
“This event has become more than a charity event for Toys for Tots,” said Lisa Buchman, Highway 98 Director of Promotions. “It’s an annual community event that has become a holiday tradition for families to participate in together. ”
To raise awareness of the children in need along the Emerald Coast and nationally—and to collect donated bikes—Highway 98 Country is sending radio personality Bo Reynolds on a scissor lift, 30 feet up in the air, for 98 hours.
“Don’t worry, Bo will have a porta potty and a tent,” said Buchman. “But, it definitely gets everyone’s attention.”
In its first year, Bikes or Bust brought in nearly 450 bikes, but since then, the event has grown, adding an incredible amount of participants and bringing in more than 1,500 bikes in 2017.
“This year, we’re hoping to donate more than 2,000 bikes to the children in our area,” said Buchman. “And, I really think we can do it. Local businesses and individuals have let us know they have been collecting bikes to donate!”
With Hurricane Michael’s impact radiating throughout the panhandle, pushing families further into poverty or preventing them from having a Christmas, a portion of the bikes donated will go directly to the children impacted.
To volunteer for or learn more about this event, visit cbemeraldcoast.com/highway98country/ or contact Buchman at (850)259-8419.
