How One Bicycle Can Change a Child's Christmas; and How Our Community Is Making It Happen
Every year, our community comes together to create unforgettable Christmas mornings for local children throughout Western Washington, including communities across the Seattle Eastside Here's why one bicycle can make all the difference.
Imagine Christmas Morning...
Christmas morning has finally arrived.
A child races down the hallway, eager to see what Santa left under the tree.
Among the wrapped presents sits something they never expected, a brand-new bicycle.
Their eyes light up.
A smile stretches from ear to ear.
Within minutes they're outside, helmet on, discovering the freedom, confidence, and adventure that comes with two wheels.
For many of us, that memory feels familiar.
It's a moment that becomes part of childhood.
But for many children across Western Washington, that moment may never happen, unless someone in our community decides to make it possible.
That's why every year, our community comes together for Tinsel & Tires: The Community Bike Challenge.
More Than a Bike
A bicycle is so much more than a Christmas gift.
It's independence.
It's confidence.
It's making new friends in the neighborhood.
It's riding to the park with siblings.
It's exploring, growing, and creating memories that last long after the holiday decorations have been packed away.
For a child, a bike represents possibility.
And that's why it's one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
Why This Matters
Several years ago, we had the privilege of welcoming Greg Bakke, Board President of the Forgotten Children's Fund, to our TLC, Tend Life Community Podcast.
During our conversation, Greg shared something that stayed with us.
While the Forgotten Children's Fund provides thousands of gifts to children and their families across Western Washington each holiday season, bicycles remain one of the most requested, and one of the hardest gifts to secure.
That conversation inspired us to ask a simple question:
What if our community could help fill that gap?
The answer became Tinsel & Tires.
Meet the Forgotten Children's Fund
For more than four decades, the Forgotten Children's Fund has been bringing hope to children and families throughout Western Washington.
Powered entirely by volunteers, the organization works year-round preparing for the holidays, delivering gifts to families who may otherwise go without.
Every bicycle donated through Tinsel & Tires becomes part of that larger mission, helping create unforgettable Christmas mornings for local children.
It's an incredible organization, and we're honored to support their work.
A Community Tradition in its 3rd Year
What began as a simple idea has grown into one of our favorite annual community traditions.
Each year, we're inspired by the generosity of our clients, friends, neighbors, community partners and local businesses from Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and communities across Western Washington who come together to make a difference.
As a community-focused real estate team, we spend every day helping people find a place to call home.
But we also believe strong communities are built long after the keys are handed over.
That's why Tinsel & Tires means so much to us.
It's about neighbors helping neighbors.
Businesses giving back.
Families teaching children the importance of generosity.
And our community showing what's possible when we come together around a shared purpose.
As we enter our third year, our dream is bigger than ever. With the support of our clients, friends, local businesses, and neighbors, we're working together to provide 50 brand-new bikes for children across Western Washington. Every bicycle donated represents one more child who will experience the excitement of Christmas morning in a way they'll never forget.
Together, we know we can get there.
Giving a Bike Is Easier Than Ever
Whether you're giving one bike or organizing a workplace collection, we've made it easy to get involved.
Give a Bike
Browse our carefully selected list of recommended bikes and choose one that fits your budget.
Have it shipped directly to us or drop it off at our office.
Sponsor Part of a Bike
Want to help but not able to purchase an entire bike?
Every contribution matters.
We'll combine donations to purchase additional bikes so every dollar helps create another unforgettable Christmas morning.
Rally Your Workplace
Invite coworkers, friends, neighbors, or family members to purchase a bike together.
One bike.
Many people making a difference.
Local Businesses
Businesses can purchase one bike, or several, and help lead by example.
We'll gladly recognize participating businesses throughout the campaign (with permission) and celebrate the incredible generosity of our local community.
Our Community Bike Counter
Help us reach 50+ bikes
🚲 1 of 50 Bikes Collected
This Year's Goal. Bikes Still Needed
50 Bikes 49 Bikes
Every bike donated brings us one step closer to creating another unforgettable Christmas morning.
We'll be updating our Community Bike Counter throughout the campaign, so check back often and watch our community come together.
How You Can Help
- Complete our quick Gift of a Bike form.
- Choose a bike from our recommended list or purchase one locally.
- Ship it directly or drop it off at the Tend Home Team office.
- Confirm your purchase to be entered into our $100 Local Restaurant Gift Card drawing.
That's it.
Giving back has never been easier.
Help Create Christmas Morning
One bike may seem like a small gift.
To a child, it can mean everything.
Whether you give one bike, sponsor part of a bike, or invite your business or coworkers to join you, you'll be helping create a Christmas memory that lasts a lifetime.
Together, let's show what an incredible community we have.
Give a Bike Today
Why Tend Home Team Leads The Initiative
At Tend Home Team, we believe strong communities are built by neighbors who show up for one another.
Helping families buy and sell homes is what we do every day—but investing in the communities we serve is what gives our work even greater purpose.
Tinsel & Tires has become one of the ways we bring that commitment to life, and we're grateful to everyone who joins us each year.
Together, we're building more than a successful bike campaign.
We're building a stronger community.
See Our Community Impact Grow
Throughout the campaign, we'll be sharing updates, celebrating businesses and families who join the challenge, and watching our Community Bike Counter climb toward our goal of 50 bikes.
Be sure to check back often. You might even see your business, family, or team featured as part of this year's Tinsel & Tires Community Bike Challenge.
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