It takes determination and a lot of love to channel the pain of tragedy into emotional healing. So it happened that the Colavita families, seeking a way to transform profound sorrow over the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, chose to create some joyous occasions for the youngest victims of the tragedy―the children who lost parents that day.

The Colavita Foundation for Children was founded to offer help and hope to children who have suffered losses from catastrophic events, or whose lives have been saddened by economic hardships. In addition, we aim to educate children about the lifelong health and fitness benefits of cycling. We are chartered as a charitable organization for this purpose under New Jersey nonprofit corporation law.

In our inaugural program following the events of 9/11, we successfully melded these goals by donating bicycles and helmets to the children of victims of this tragedy. Through the assistance of government agencies and charitable organizations, the Foundation presented a special certificate to each child, who then visited a local participating bicycle shop along with the surviving parent or guardian. The children had memorable moments in the shops, selecting and being fitted for their new bikes and helmets. The positive response to those gifts has provided happy proof that bikes are a great way to lighten the sadness of children in distress―and are equally appreciated by parents and guardians....