
What’s Going on at The Common Wheel?
Hi everybody!
MacKenzie here with an update on some of the things going on for us. The first thing I would like to share is that we plan to regularly post these blog updates. I plan to call these blog updates “spokes,” if that isn’t too corny. The second, is that I wanted to provide you with the message that recently went out many of our ongoing donors and friends from our mailing list about the positive strides you have all helped us make in 2024.
As many of you know, we aren’t just your typical bike shop. The Common Wheel is a Community Bike Org that provides valuable programming, classes, and opportunity to help support our community and empower folks. This last year we have worked hard to expand these opportunities to more people and places than ever before. The letter that follows was sent out many of our regular donors and members of our mailing list, and I wanted to provide it to all of you! Please consider joining our mailing list for future updates, or stay tuned for more from this blog.
The truth is that much of this expansion and an increase in people using our programs, means increased expense. We hope you might consider supporting our youth and adult programs with a contribution to our cause.
Please continue reading for our recent message to donors and mailing list. (want to join our mailing list? click HERE):
Dear valued supporters of The Common Wheel,
As I sit down to write to you, my heart swells with gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm for The Common Wheel. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success, and I am delighted to share a whirlwind of updates with you.
We have had a significant leadership transition. Executive Director Adriana Atencio wrapped up a decade of dedicated service. We’re grateful for her inclusive leadership and the strong foundation she helped build. After a year and a half as Director of Operations, I stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, and I’m honored to carry our mission forward.
Following a volunteer-driven renovation, we opened a new location in Columbia. This expansion means we can reach even more people, particularly through Earn-A-Bike. It’s a joy to witness the pride and confidence this program instills in our youth as they learn bike maintenance and repair and earn a bike of their own.
Responding to requests from rural communities, TCW added a van to take our programs on the road. Now, more people can experience the joy and empowerment of bicycling, regardless of where they live. It’s a dream come true to see our reach extending further than ever before.
But none of this would be possible without you. Your belief in and support of this mission inspires us every day. Yet, there’s still much work to do. We remain committed to bridging the gap and ensuring that everyone has access to the joy and freedom that bicycling brings.
Thank you for joining us in creating a brighter, more inclusive future! Your kindness and generosity make all the difference.
MacKenzie Hand, Interim Executive Director
PS: Want to talk about all things TCW? Come hang out with me 4-5pm on Tuesdays at the Pump House at 701 E King Street for class between now and December 3rd, or shoot me an email at mac@thecommonwheel.com and we can arrange time to chat.