Hike Kidz Foundation Cuts Ribbon on Expanded Effort to Help Local Children

Five months after launching its Safe & Sound: Clothe the Kidz initiative, the Hike Kidz Foundation celebrated a major milestone on August 8 with a ribbon-cutting at its North Royal Avenue site. The event marked the program’s success in providing clothing to more than 250 local children — far surpassing its original goal — and served as a celebration of the community partnerships that made it possible.

The initiative began on March 25 with the mission of providing a full back-to-school shopping experience for 130 Warren County students, including those identified under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Co-founders Harmony and Aaron Hike, inspired in part by Aaron’s own childhood in foster care, set out to give children not just clothing and supplies, but dignity, choice, and the feeling of belonging.

“This started with the goal of clothing 10 children, then 200,” Harmony told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting. “So far, we’ve clothed 252 — and we’re not finished. The community has embraced this mission with donations, partnerships, ideas, and so much love.”

Mayor Lori Cockrell praised the organization’s rapid growth. “When this vision started, I’m sure everybody was like, ‘What?’ And it just grew and grew,” she said. “It happened because people made it happen.”

Vice Mayor and Foundation President Amber Veitenthal noted that the group had already delivered on its promises before the ribbon was cut. “Everything we said we were going to do for the community — and more — has happened,” she said. Fundraisers like the Dueling Disco brought in over $100,000, bolstered by corporate sponsors Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart.

From the beginning, Clothe the Kidz has been about more than providing clothes. Children participate in private shopping events with volunteer “shopping buddies,” including members of the Front Royal Police Department, to choose their own backpacks, shoes, and outfits. The Foundation also collects household items for families, school nurse supplies, and emergency resources for children in crisis.

Dr. Matthew Rosario, a mental health advocate and partner in the initiative, pledged in March to help build a trauma-focused crisis response plan for Warren County youth. He also donated 113 backpacks and $5,000 to launch the campaign.

During the August celebration, Harmony recognized the many organizations that contributed to the effort, including Project Hope, Family Promise, Faithworks, Stone Branch Center for the Arts, the Phoenix Project, and the Warren Coalition, as well as local businesses like Jean’s Jewelers, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, and Hike Construction — the Foundation’s main partner in developing the new space.

The Foundation’s work will continue in the months ahead with a September 13 performance on the Petty Stage, ongoing Heart Gallery adoption awareness efforts, emergency housing projects, and holiday programs for local families.

“Never overlook anyone,” Harmony told the crowd. “Look deeper. Make sure no child is left out. That’s how we become more of a community.”

As the ribbon fell and cheers rose, the moment symbolized both a job well done and the start of more work to come.