“Build Abbott” Recreates Motorcycle Rebuild Program for Foster Children
– By #Abbott House
Rapid City, SD – “Build Abbott”, a re-established motorcycle rebuild program for Abbott House foster children, just named its newest project — INSPIRE.
“I picked this name to inspire others to try things they don’t have in interest in,” said the foster child who won the motorcycle naming contest. “I like the word ‘Inspire’ because other people – like my foster family – inspire me.”
INSPIRE, a 2013 Harley Davidson Road King, simply has nothing special about it. No one has invested in this bike or tried to make it the beautiful bike it could be. So, as part of the Build Abbott project, 24 youth from four Bridges by Abbott House therapeutic foster homes will transform this bike as they rebuild their lives.
Build Abbott is a three month classroom project giving Bridges by Abbott House foster youth in Rapid City the practical, hands-on experience of repairing and customizing a motorcycle. This project brings together facilitators, Katie and James Washnok, owners of Blackout Industries, and Black Hills Harley Davidson in a partnership helping young people learn valuable life skills including, teamwork, communication and marketing.
“Each of these kids is a true inspiration, making the name of this bike even more fitting. We feel honored to work with this outstanding group of young people, raising money for such a worthy cause,” Katie said. “The Abbott House is an invaluable asset to the most worthy of our community, as they help kids from across the state of South Dakota. We can’t wait for the public debut of this one of a kind custom motorcycle, and celebrate all of the kid’s hard work!”
During the rebuild process foster youth will assess the damage, take the bike apart, and create a new paint design and name for the motorcycle. “All of the enhancements – the unique design, new handle bars, saddle bags, exhaust and other features, and hands-on work helps our youth understand they have the power and the skills to improve the motorcycle all while improving their own lives,” Eric Klooz, Abbott House Executive Director, said. The facilitators and Abbott House foster home youth are meeting regularly in the “shop” at Black Hills Harley Davidson to create a beautiful motorcycle with a uniqueness all its own while providing education, empowerment and encouragement.
This one-of-a-kind motorcycle rebuilt by foster children, will be raffled off. Tickets are $100 each. Only 750 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get your ticket NOW! The winner of this bike will own a customized motorcycle designed and rebuilt by at-risk youth. Tickets can be purchased at www.abbotthouse.org, by calling 605-996-2486, or by contacting one of the Abbott House board members.
Abbott House children have rebuilt five damaged motorcycles from 2011 to 2017 while rebuilding their own lives. Proceeds from this project and all other motorcycle rebuild projects are used to provide enhanced therapy and educational opportunities for Abbott House youth.
Last Modified:
