"I know how hard it is to feel like": How Simone Biles helped bring a $50,000 gift to a children’s charity through her own story of foster care

Simone Biles knows what it feels like to grow up without a stable family environment. The Olympic gymnastics champion spent part of her childhood in foster care before her grandparents adopted her. After years, that experience gave her a personal reason to support kids facing similar struggles. Back in 2022, her partnership with cybersecurity company Axonius helped Friends of the Children receive a $50,000 gift, giving the nonprofit more aid for its work with young people.Biles used her public platform to bring attention to an organisation that offers children long-term mentorship. Her involvement continued into 2023, when she helped spotlight the charity through a campaign, a magazine feature and an event in her hometown of Spring, Texas.How Simone Biles used her foster care experience to support childrenBiles has never hidden why the cause feels personal to her. On March 7, 2023, Friends of the Children shared her comments from a People magazine feature.“I was a foster kid, so I know how hard it is to feel like no one’s there,” Biles said in the feature. “Those young people will always have a piece of my heart, which is why Friends of the Children is so dear to me.”Biles entered foster care in Ohio when she was three. Her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie, later adopted Simone and her younger sister, Adria, when Simone was six.That past helped shape her connection with Friends of the Children, a nonprofit that pairs kids with professional mentors who support them over the long term. Biles began working with the organisation in 2020 and took part in virtual activities with children in its programmes. How Axonius’ $50,000 gift helped expand the charity’s reachThe financial support came through Biles’ partnership with Axonius. In February 2023, she featured Friends of the Children in a commercial for the cybersecurity company. The nonprofit later confirmed in its November 14, 2023, announcement that Axonius had provided a $50,000 gift after Biles highlighted its work.The partnership also helped the organisation reach more families. In January 2023, Biles hosted a Breakfast of Champions event at her gym in Spring, Texas, to celebrate a limited-edition Wheaties box featuring her and the charity. The event also marked the launch of Friends of the Children’s Houston chapter.Biles continued to advocate for the organisation that year. On May 16, 2023, she joined more than 100 young people from its programmes on a Zoom call for National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.In Biles' case, the work goes beyond a single donation or campaign. Her own experience gives her a personal connection to children who need someone in their corner. By sharing her story, she has helped bring attention to a charity working to give those kids full support and a reason to believe in their future.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.