08/31/2026
At the VIPS Gala each year, guests have the opportunity to bid on the naming rights to one of two special spaces either Mobility City or the Sensory Garden, depending on the year. This year, the Mobility City naming rights were up for grabs, and John and Jill Talbott, VIPS alumni parents, were victorious. But instead of choosing a name for themselves, they chose to give that opportunity to someone else.
They gifted the naming rights to the Riley family, whose son Wells was one of the children spotlighted at the Gala this year. The name they chose for the street crossing was Wells’ Wilderness Trail and on Thursday, we hosted a ribbon cutting for the new name to be unveiled.
The story behind the name began long before there was ever a sign at Mobility City. But this tale is best told by Wells’ dad, who shared how a little boy, a NICU room, a movie character named Russell, and a whole lot of love came together to create Wells’ Wilderness. Watch this video, https://loom.ly/zKSg2tg, to hear the Riley family tell the story behind the name and why seeing Wells’ Wilderness at VIPS means so much to them.
A special thank you to John and Jill for turning their Gala win into a gift that has brought joy to a current VIPS family. Once a VIPS family, always a VIPS family, and that is one of the beautiful things about VIPS: our families become part of a community that continues to support, celebrate, and uplift one another long after their time with us “officially” comes to an end.
So on this Milestone Monday, please join us in celebrating Wells’ Wilderness Trail at Mobility City and in wishing Wells a very Happy Birthday as today happens to be his birthday, making this Milestone Monday even more special!
