Working Bikes Celebrates 25 Years Of Service To Chicago And The World
illi News/10280283

CHICAGO - illiNews -- On Saturday October 5, Working Bikes will celebrate 25 years of giving old bikes new homes. From 4-8PM at its world headquarters, 2434 S. Western Avenue, the Working Bikes community will gather for its silver jubilee.

"We could get thousands of bikes if we knew where to send them," said Lee Ravenscroft in a message to Pedals for Progress, Ohio, late in 1999, when the seeds of Working Bikes were confined to Ravenscroft and partner Amy Little's garages in Oak Park and Little Italy. Since Ravenscroft and Little's first collections, Working Bikes has expanded into a nonprofit institution, recognized the world over for its impact in providing bikes to tens of thousands around the globe. In the last quarter century, Working Bikes has grown to donate over 10,000 bicycles annually to local and international communities, provide mechanic services for neighbors and low income cyclists, host hundreds of volunteer opportunities, and operate a local donation program that gets thousands rolling.

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Partnering with organizations in Africa and Central America and scores of partners in Chicagoland, Working Bikes provides bicycles and cycling equipment as tools of self determination for those in need.

Staff and volunteers are preparing for the anniversary event now. On Saturday, the shop will close at 2PM for the celebration. Volunteers, customers, staff, and supporters will host and join in activities that highlight the work of Working Bikes, the breadth of its community, and the organization's consistent ability to do good work while having a good time.

Working Bikes' renowned collection of silly bikes will be spread across a closed-to-cars 24th Place and available for test rides. A DJ will pump out the tunes while Marshall Square's own Flor Azteca, an enterprise of the Telpochcalli Community Education Project will make enchiladas. Kids will have a Working Bikes 25th Anniversary coloring activity and balloon creations from Theo the Clown, and kids of all ages can print their own Working Bikes swag thanks to William Estrada and his Art Cart. Attendees will also have the chance to dunk staff and board members in a 500 gallon dunk tank, or make throws on behalf of Working Bikes international partners who will be participating via live stream from abroad. Limited edition Working Bikes 25th Anniversary merchandise will also be available.

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Staff and volunteers will lead tours of the Working Bikes warehouse throughout the day, starting at 4 and firing every half hour through the event. Built in 1896, the now Working Bikes warehouse has seen many owners. The historic building was initially used by American Development Co. to manufacture kerosene lamps for Chicago streets, housed a borax factory, a mattress manufacturing facility, until finally serving as Working Bikes' headquarters since 2009 and now holds over 5,000 donated bicycles.

More information at http://www.workingbikes.org.