RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 25, 2025) – Dozens of Rapid City children left The Park on Mountain View Road with shiny new bicycles Wednesday afternoon, thanks to a surprise orchestrated by Highmark Credit Union and Odyssey Teams.
The event, held Sept. 24, brought together every Highmark Credit Union employee for a “Life Cycles” team-building exercise. Staff believed they were simply assembling bicycles as part of the program. But at 3 p.m., after a reveal coordinated with local youth organizations, the children appeared to receive the bikes in person—sparking tears, applause and smiles across the room.
The program, created by Odyssey Teams of Chico, Calif., is designed to connect workplace culture with community service. While employees collaborate to build bicycles, the real focus is on building connection—between team members and with the young recipients whose lives are touched by the gift.
“Every bike assembled is more than a project,” Odyssey Teams leaders explained in program materials. “It’s a gesture of generosity that creates joy, freedom and opportunity.”
For Highmark employees, the moment underscored the credit union’s community-driven mission. Founded in 1940 by local educators, Highmark is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. The institution remains committed to financial empowerment, service, and community investment across South Dakota and Wyoming.
The impact of Wednesday’s effort will ripple beyond Rapid City. Since its inception, Life Cycles has facilitated the donation of more than 23,000 bicycles nationwide. Odyssey Teams has also delivered over 75,000 prosthetic hands to amputees in 90 countries through its Build-a-Hand program.
For the children who pedaled away on brand-new bikes this week, the gift was immediate and unforgettable. For Highmark employees, the experience became something deeper—proof that culture, service and kindness can move far beyond the walls of a workplace.
