Every Kid Deserves the Joy of Riding a Bike
Going Places gives brand-new bikes to children who have never had one. Because the most basic childhood right is a right to joy.
It Started With One Kid Who Just Wanted a Bike
In 2016, first-grade teacher Katie Blomquist learned that her student Jawan had never owned a bike. When she asked around her class, she realized most of her students hadn't either.
Katie raised over $80,000 through a GoFundMe campaign and surprised all 650 students at Pepperhill Elementary with brand-new bikes. The story made national news — Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Time Magazine — and Going Places was born.
How We Bring Joy
Every dollar raised goes directly toward putting a brand-new bike, helmet, and lock in the hands of a child who has never had one.
We Raise the Funds
Through our gala, community sponsors, and generous donors, we raise the money to purchase brand-new, high-quality custom bikes from a local Charleston bike shop.
The Community Builds
Hundreds of volunteers come together at our annual Bike Build to assemble every single bike by hand. It's a party with a purpose — and everyone leaves changed.
Kids Get Their Ride
At our Bike Reveals, every child in a Title 1 elementary school is surprised with a brand-new bike, helmet, and lock. For many, it's the first new thing they've ever owned.
Every Bike Changes a Life
For many of these kids, a bike is the first item of value they've ever called their own. Your donation restores the innocence of childhood. Pick what you'd like to give.
Going Places is a 501(c)(3) — your gift is fully tax-deductible. EIN: 81-5267546
This Is Our Biggest Year Yet
Two flagship events. Four bike reveals. 2,500 bikes. Join us as we bring more joy to more kids than ever before.
The Going Places Gala
Black tie at The Cedar Room. Live music by Ben Coleman, live and silent auctions, and an unforgettable evening — all to put bikes under kids who need them.
Get Tickets & SponsorshipsBike Build & Reveal
Hundreds of community volunteers build bikes together, then we surprise every kid in a Title 1 school with their very own ride. This year goes bigger.
Volunteer or SponsorEvery Kind of Help Counts
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — you're putting a kid on a bike.
Make a Donation
Every contribution is tax-deductible and goes directly toward bikes for kids. $175 gives one child a complete ride — bike, helmet, and lock.
Donate NowBecome a Sponsor
Corporate and community sponsorships fund bike reveals and events. Your brand gets visibility while directly changing children's lives.
View PackagesVolunteer With Us
Join the community at our Bike Builds and Reveals. Build a bike with your own hands and watch a kid's face light up when they see it.
Sign Up
Katie Turned a Classroom Wish Into a Movement
Katie spent six years as a Title 1 teacher in Charleston before launching Going Places in 2017. What started as a GoFundMe to buy her students bikes became a nonprofit that has now given over 5,583 bikes to kids across the Lowcountry and beyond.
Her story has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, the Steve Harvey Show, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She was named one of Charleston's Forty Under 40 and received the Jefferson Award — the nation's highest honor for community service.
Now in year nine, Katie's vision is bigger than ever: 2,500 bikes in 2026, four school reveals, and a path to becoming a national nonprofit.
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Wanna Come?
Join thousands of Charleston community members who believe every child deserves the joy of riding their own bike.