Who Makes This All Possible?

Sometimes a single gesture merits our attention as much as the bigger gifts.  Growing from an idea to a reality requires more than just optimism.  The following people deserve our thanks.

Bill and Marge Wendle, and the Caterpiller Foundation whose generous matching contributions made it possible for The Bike Place to survive and thrive during the COVID19 pandemic.  

Ray Mabry whose energy, goodwill and dedication to Princeton are hard to match.

Brian Church for his in-kind support of his beloved Trek road bike, parts, accessories, computer and ongoing help with promotion of The Bike Place.  He has been a gift to bicycling in and around Princeton for years. 

We also thank: 

Bill Heinrich for his support when we were just beginning, then sending his daughter Kirsten to us in 2021.  A life saver!  

Annette and Bill Schnable, Tim Hermeyer. 

Sarah McCombs and Cisco, whose policy of matching employees’ contributions of time and funds is an excellent model for other large employers.

Steve Becker and Kristin McComber of Thrivent Financial.  They walk the talk of Thrivent’s motto: “Live Generously.”  Thanks to their personal and professional commitment, The Bike Place was able to recruit volunteers, open at our new location on Columbus Street and generate donations of more than 200 bicycles in the spring and summer of 2019.    

Lisa Peck and Nicole Schafer of ABC AmeriCorps at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon. AmeriCorps has sponsored our shop manager Steve Graham’s tenure at The Bike Place for four years, Grace McCormick and now Kayla Greenwell.

Keenan Campbell and family,  who put in enough elbow grease and time to transform an empty old building into a much more attractive, functional place of service and business. 

Someone’s in the Kitchen for our fine display table. 

Tim Scott, Creations Unlimited.  Want imprinted t-shirts?  Get them from Creations Unlimited.

Petey Callahan, former editor and publisher of Good Morning Princeton; a key part of our massive (!) media outreach for several years.  We miss the Good Mornings!

Mona Cruse, Pam Marsh and Goldie Rapp, Bureau County Republican for design, editorial and advertising support.

Kyle Unzicker for his design and marketing services.

Mike Welty, Bike Works, Peru.  Want a faster, stronger, more comfortable or appropriate bike for your casual outings or cross country rides? An ebike?   Need parts? Accessories?  Outfits? Inspiration?  We recommend Bike Works and are grateful for their support. 

We Help Them and They Help Us

Elijah McCloskey and our friends at Freewheel Madison, WI. Working Bikes, Chicago.

Chantel xxx and the volunteers of Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, Illinois

The Princeton Police Department and City of Streator for bicycle donations.  

Our Volunteers

David Sulpice

Carl Anderson, Rob, Connie Anderson, Doug Faber, David. Boo, Zack, Tom 

Do you know the best way to help them?  Join them!  Here are some of the good folks who are definitely “hands on” heroes at The Bike Place:

Princeton Wesleyan Church and its Christmas giving