Camille Kostek steals the show by cycling in heels for a good cause

Camille Kostek brought a lot of heart back to Boston this holiday season, teaming up with Raise the cane to offer a memorable afternoon to local children. On Monday, December 22, the model, TV host and former New England Patriots cheerleader teamed up with the Chicken Finger brand to give away 100 Raising Cane bikes and helmets to children at the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. The event was part of Cane’s sixth annual Christmas bike giveaway, a tradition inspired by founder Todd Graves’ childhood memory of receiving a bike on Christmas morning. Now bigger than ever, Raising Cane’s is rolling out more than 4,000 bikes and helmets nationwide this holiday season after giving away 2,500 bikes last year, and Boston was one of the loudest cheer-filled stops. To add to the excitement, New England Patriots running back Ernest Johnson also made a surprise appearance, helping to hand out bikes and helmets and joining Camille Kostek in celebrating the children, a moment that made the afternoon even more special for attendees.

Speaking to The Blast by phone during the event, Kostek said the decision to participate was instant. “Oh my God. I mean, it was so fun. It was a no-brainer, no hesitation as soon as Cane’s team reached out,” she told The Blast exclusively. “This one was really special, especially during the holidays. I just got on a plane this morning and couldn’t miss it.”

Kostek, who grew up in New England and remains deeply connected to the Boston community, said the bike gift struck a chord, especially as the older brother in his family. “I’m a big sister. I have two little sisters and a brother. When I heard they were giving away bikes for the holidays, I’ll never forget my first bike,” she shared. “I remember what I was wearing, what the weather was like. It brought back so many memories.”

She added that the feeling of riding a bike for the first time reflects the moments she still experiences as an adult. “There are so many things I do in my life now that remind me of that first motorcycle. It’s scary, exciting, and it’s all about being present in the moment, and that’s what today is about,” the model admitted.

In addition to his surprise appearance at the event, New England Patriots running back D’Ernest Johnson also spoke with The Blast over the phone about what the Raising Cane bike giveaway meant to him personally.

For Johnson, the opportunity to give back during the holidays was an easy yes. “I’m just happy to be a part of it,” he said, explaining how special it was to join Raising Cane’s to support children in the community. “To come and give back, you know, hundreds of bikes for the kids. I think it’s special, everything they get to do.”

As a professional athlete, Johnson recognized the responsibility that comes with being someone kids naturally look up to, saying moments like this go far beyond football. “Just like a model,” he shared. “Giving kids hope that they can do anything they want and be anything they want to be in life, as long as they work hard and believe in it. To be able to leave here and show their face, talk to them, it means a lot. I know it means a lot to them.”

When asked about his own holiday traditions, Johnson said giving back has long been at the center of how he celebrates the season. “Every year I do a turkey drive in my hometown,” he said. “Every year it’s about giving back to the community. That’s what’s closest to my heart. Giving back is so liberating and full of love.”

From fitting helmets to selecting bikes, Kostek immediately jumped into action, even hopping on a bike herself. “I already fell off one of the bikes,” she laughed. “And I wore high heels to the event. Some girls asked me how I was going to ride my bike in heels, and I said, ‘Girls can do anything.’ They broke down and said, “It’s true. »

She described children lining up behind her on a makeshift “bike train,” a moment that gave her goosebumps. “I don’t remember the last time I felt like this,” she said. “Just laughing, riding, being present. That’s what it’s all about.”

Kostek’s partnership with Raising Cane’s has continued to grow this year. It began at the Super Bowl LIX Parade in New Orleans, where she rode alongside Graves, Emeril Lagasse, Jeff Hamilton and Kaylee Hartung, and continued at New York Fashion Week, where she modeled a custom couture dress for the brand.

But being back in Boston had added meaning. “As soon as I walked in, you could feel this sense of community,” she said. “The Boys & Girls Club is all about giving kids a space where they can dream big, grow and learn. I love immersing myself in the Boston community. I landed and came straight here. I couldn’t ask for a better Monday.”