May 24, 2012

PDIDA BIKE SHOW

The Gospel Riders held a Motorcycle Show on April 28, 2012, with donations directed to the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities. The idea for the partnership was encouraged by Ralph Bainbridge, Chaplain of the Gospel Riders, as he notes “bikers are generally good givers to worthy causes. Knowing every dollar donated to the Cluster stays here in Pottstown making the decision simple for us to make.”

The day of the show the weather was very questionable. However, being the “first” show in Pottstown for the Gospel Riders, they went ahead. ”God did provide a great work day for the Holy Spirit!!” Bainbridge said. Seventeen bikes were in the show and the west side of Hanover Street was lined with 10 vendors. The show itself brought folks into Pottstown from many places. One vendor came from Lykens, PA and another from New Jersey. Gap was the longest distance for any show bike. Everyone enjoyed the day. All said they would return next year so plans are in the works for next year.

Bainbridge also adds “a couple God things happened to me that day. First one of our members told me of a woman who was about to be evicted. I talked with her and prayed with her. I also told her to go to the Cluster, where she would get help. The second was even more moving for me. I was about to start announcing the trophy winners, when three children and their father approached me with a red coffee can. They said they wanted to be a part of the event. They actually had a bake sale at the event and raised $65.40 for the Cluster. Needless to say I had to take several deep breaths before making the announcements. That was the icing on the cake for me!!!”

Thank you to Ralph Bainbridge, Sheila Dugan of PDIDA (Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority) and the Hanson family for your support of our organization and your caring hearts for this community.

Community attending Gospel Riders event

From left to right, Ralph Bainbridge, Gospel Riders, Maya, Brian and

Amelia Hanson present a check to Barbara Wilhelmy, Executive Director

and Allan Altschull, Board President – Kids and check