On Friday, Badger senior Brooks Guif was presented with an E-Bike, the results of last year’s “Bike for Brooks” campaign in which people from our community and beyond bought pies and donated money to help purchase this bike for Brooks. It was a late birthday surprise, presented by Badger Associate Principal Mike Giovingo who has mentored Brooks during his Badger years. At the presentation, Mr Giovingo read the following statement:
“Happy 18th birthday. On behalf of the Badger family and our community we would like to present this E-Bike to you. We hope that you will get many years of enjoyment and service from this bike. As we see you riding this bike around town (under the speed limit of course) WE will smile knowing we had a part in making this dream come true. But on behalf of all who made today a reality we want to thank YOU, in advance, for the courage and perseverance you show us on a daily basis. You remind us that it is not what a person is given at birth that separates him/her from others, but more so what they decide to do with what we are given that truly sets them apart. Brooks for those reasons and many more you are truly one of a kind. Have fun with your bike buddy.”
The presentation of the bike took place on the Badger baseball diamond and was attended by his mother, sister, favorite teachers, Badger baseball coaches Roddy and Ploch, Amy Peterburs of Lorelei Bittner’s Bakery (who baked all of the pies for the Pies for Brooks campaign), and Badger athletes and friends who socially distanced to surprise Brooks who didn’t know the E-Bike was ready.
The Badger Family would like to thank the following for making this happen:
Badger’s Student Mentor Program - 2019-2020 Freshmen and Mentors and Mrs. Gen Reed, advisor, who launched the fundraiser in October 2019 -- it took just one month the goal.
Lorelei Bittner's Bakery -- Former student and tennis standout Amy Peterburs worked with the high school and put together a pie package that helped raise nearly half the money.
Lake Geneva Regional News Reporter Dennis Hines -- provided news coverage from the onset of our fundraiser. The publicity he provided not only got the word out, but had a major impact on our fundraising.
Motorless Motion Bicycles (Madison, WI) -- Justin Sabol at Motorless pulled strings to find a trike when there weren’t any being made during Covid. And we thank him for the modifications their bike shop was able to make.
Lake Geneva Auto Body -- Don Palka, former Badger student-athlete, along with Vindictive Vinyl out of Twin Lakes, created the personalized detailing on Brooks’ bike. And they did it for no charge.
Badger High School Community -- Students, teachers, staff, Badger families, and alumni made contributions. Alumni as far as San Francisco, LA, and Portland donate money.
Geneva Lakes Community -- People seemingly not directly connected with Brooks or Badger High School gave considerable money to the effort.
Holly Eckola and Carrie Swatek, Lake Geneva Schools -- Holly and Carrie were instrumental in setting up our on-line payments system which increased our fundraising capacity.
Coach Ploch and Coach Roddy and ALL the Badger Athletes -- For being the types of role models and human beings people would want their kids to be around.
Brooks’ family, especially his mom Sue Guif -- Ms.Guif was instrumental in helping guide the process along the way. And she was helpful in keeping this day a secret.