Co-founder of Triangle Spokes Group, Ashley Wilson is passionate about children and creating an outlet to give back in the community.  The unique approach to making sure all children have that sense of freedom that we all got when we rode away on our very first bike was the vision that Jenn Nowalk and Ashley Wilson had in February of 2007 at the inception of Triangle Spokes Group.  The group strives to Pedal Joy to each and every child in the Triangle.Currently Ashley Wilson serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors.  Her involvement in the group is just as much if not more than day one.  Although more supporters have joined the cause and the Board of Directors has grown, her passion still runs deep and hands on involvement in events, fundraising, and planning is just as important as when it was a two man shop.

“This is my outlet to children in our community.  After teaching in public schools, I know the need for giving on all different levels.  Necessities are met through many organizations, and it is my mission to make sure that children get to play- Play on a BIKE-We Pedal Joy to the Triangle!”

As an integral part of the organization, Jenn Nowalk’s main focus is to raise money, make connections, network and establish relationships in order to gain donations and awareness to increase the number of bicycles the Triangle Spokes Group will distribute to underprivileged children.

“I think it is important to give back to your community and especially children. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my siblings and I riding around the neighborhood on our bikes….there was just such a sense of freedom and pride of ownership that I think that all children should have.  It is a great way for them to get out and explore, as well as be creative with their friends.”

In 1994, two local businessmen realized the need a lot of families experience at Christmas and asked themselves what they could do to help. Their conclusion was to challenge one another to raise enough money to purchase bicycles.

Those bikes would be donated to The Salvation Army in Charlotte and distributed to local less fortunate children through the Christmas Bureau.  For many of these children their single wish was a brand new bicycle.

The first year, 17 bicycles were purchased from the fundraiser and enhanced 17 families’ Christmas.  The businessmen’s efforts increased from a month long project to a year-round project to raise enough money to make as many children as possible happier during the Christmas season.  In 27 years, The Spokes Group had given away 53,000 bikes. At an average of $85 per bike, that represents $4,505,000. For the most part this has been in $10, $20, $70 and $85 donations by a LOT of supportive, loyal, and very generous folks.

To learn more about the founders and the original Spoke Group go to www.thespokesgroup.com .