Over 300 suppliers for Heinz and Heinz employees came together for a memorable Build-A-Bike Team Building Event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a very special event. The fast-paced event was held more for fun than instruction and that goal was accomplished. The activities had people laughing, enjoying one another, and getting to know each other better. The end result was that in a very special ceremony 48 bikes were given to children of military personnel from the area. After the bikes were built the participants broke for lunch and then assembled for a general meeting. During the meeting several presentations were made, one by a representative from the Wounded Warriors program, as well as from an actual wounded warrior. A video was shown that also revealed the importance of the work of this organization. These special gatherings ended with a playing of the song “I’m Proud to Be an American” while the children and their parents, many in their military uniforms, escorted their new bikes into the room. It was a very emotional scene as the participants in the event got to see the bikes they had made being guided by the children and families that received them. Heinz also presented a check to Wounded Warriors in Pittsburgh for to help in their fantastic efforts.

Team Building Events, like the Build-A-Bike can be excellent teaching opportunities to gain insight into leadership and team building. But in this case the idea was to bring the participants together for strictly a fun time together. Certainly that mission was accomplished as was evident by the laughter and the interaction by all concerned. But even though not planned, the fun event had plenty of teaching moments. Each activity was a lot of fun, and the ending added a great sense of satisfaction and pride in our armed forces. This Bike Team Building Event was a great and heart-touching event. Thanks Heinz for great event in Pennsylvania, for giving to deserving people, and for giving a great example that other companies should follow.