Ruth Ann Schoer - A Big Thank You to Wheels' Founder

Wheels’ adventure was launched in 1992 by founder and Dane County Board member Ruth Ann Schoer. In spring of 1993 Wheels collected about 400 donated bikes to refurbish and give out. Youth ”earned” their bike by helping to repair the bike of their choice or perform other community service.

Thank you Ruth Ann for your vision to create Wheels for Winners and make it an "Earn-a-Bike" program through community service.  It has stood the test of time. We have refurbished and provided thousands of bikes to “earners,” more than 450 in 2024 alone.

We now also provide free bike repair events in the warmer months that keep bikes safe and rideable, with 548 bikes repaired in 2024.  We have 41 part-time volunteer mechanics which have allowed the shop to be open to the public Monday through Friday for at least 4 hours a day.

In addition, thank you for your Founder’s Donation to our Big Share 2025 fundraiser! We are extremely grateful!

Early Wheels for Winners Brochure Circa 1993

Early Wheels for Winners Brochure Circa 1993

Budget Bicycle Center Shoutout - A Big Thank You

Thank you Budget Bicycle Center for being a long-time business sponsor of Wheels for Winners. Since 2016 Budget Bicycle has provided Big Share fundraiser match funds to purchase new bike parts, tires, tubes, tools and supplies when needed. This opportunity has saved Wheels thousands of dollars.

https://www.budgetbicyclecenter.com

Our bike “earners,” repair recipients and Wheels’ volunteers thank you!

THANK YOU from the Bottom Of Our Hearts!

Dear Wheels' Donors and Supporters, 

Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our fundraising goal and raised $24,716 in our Big Share campaign.  We had 106 donations, many which were from longtime supporters.  In addition, we had matching donations from the Wheels for Winners' Volunteers, our business sponsor Budget Bicycle Center and a very special Founder’s Match.

These funds will enable children, youth and families to own a bike by doing community service and our free repair events keep bikes safe and rideable.  Our bikes support healthy lifestyles and help children and youth experience the freedom and joy of owning and riding a bike.  We also actively promote cycling in the community.

Again, a huge thank you to our friends whose generosity has kept us going for 32 years!  We look forward to many more years of putting SMILES on bike "earner" and repair recipient faces!  We couldn't do this without you! 🚴 🚴🚴

A kid's bike shouldn't be a luxury!

“Thank you for the bike! I am going to ride it to the park, my friends’ houses and practically everywhere.” - Middle school bike recipient