 | | | Bob and Barbara Frick at the groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity
East Bay's new housing development in Bay Point. Photo Andy Scheck
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With each revolution of his bike wheel, Bob Frick raised 27 cents for Habitat for Humanity East Bay. By the end of his 3,300-mile bike journey from California to Florida in 2008, Bob's wheel had rotated 2.4 million times, and he had raised $89,000-enough to fully sponsor the construction of a new home at Habitat for Humanity's El Rincon Development in Bay Point.
Bob and his wife, Barbara, who followed Bob in the family Prius during his bicoastal bike ride, are thrilled to see their fundraising efforts come to fruition with the groundbreaking of a development to address the housing needs of local families with limited incomes. "The most exciting part of our bike trip was visiting Habitat sites along the way," says Barbara. The Fricks stopped at ten Habitat for Humanity building locations as they progressed across the country.
Bob faced some adversity during the first third of his trip with scorching 100F heat, seven flat tires, and a bout of exhaustion that forced him off the road for a couple of days of rest. But he rallied onward and when he stopped to refuel with sandwiches or energy drinks from roadside stores and fast food restaurants, locals often asked him about his adventure. "I was touched many times by the generosity of strangers I met," says Bob. In southern California a young laborer emptied his pockets and gave Bob $4 and a handful of change, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a young couple with a brood of kids contributed $15, and upon reaching Florida, Bob met an old ranch hand who handed over his last $5.
The Fricks have now turned their efforts to getting their Habitat home built, and Barbara is taking the lead. "We need lots of volunteers," she says energetically. "Regardless of age, strength, or skill, Habitat finds a job for everyone at the work site," adds Barbara, who describes herself as a Habitat schlepper. She hauls and carries tools and materials to and from the more skilled workers at the works sites, and she is happy to do it. "It's such a joy. We have experienced it ourselves, and we have seen it as we traveled across the country and visited Habitat sites. I want people to know the tremendous feeling you get when you serve."
To work as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity East Bay, contact Sonia Saverio at (510) 251-6304 Ext. 375 or go to www.HabitatEB.org.
(Read about more Lamorindans involved with this Habitat project on page OH 1.)
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA