NY Jets Player's 'Build-a-Bike' Event Scores Big At Historic Philadelphia Church

PHILADELPHIA - Dec. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- THE D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON FOUNDATION AND MOTHER BETHEL AME CHURCH are teaming up, once again, to co-host the Fourth Annual Build-A-Bike Workshop for children in the Philadelphia community this Saturday December 14, 2013, at 10am at the church located at 419 South 6th Street in Philadelphia. This year, twenty school-aged children (ages 9-12) will build bicycles with brand NEW, unassembled parts donated by the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation (http://www.DBrickashawFergusonFoundation.org). In previous years there were only ten participants. This year the foundation wanted to double the blessing. “A new bicycle is on almost every child’s wish list,” says D’Brickashaw Ferguson. “Unfortunately, in these tough economic times, every parent can’t afford to buy their child a new bike. We are happy to be able to make a few wishes become reality.”  The children will build the bikes with help from adult volunteers from Mother Bethel AME Church (http://www.MotherBethel.org).  The children were selected from three neighborhood elementary schools: McCall, Meredith, and Nebinger, with the help of the schools principals. Principals Rock, Farlino, and Brown were asked to identify students at their schools who excel in academics and citizenship and whose family would appreciate a free bicycle at Christmas time. The children will come to the Build-a-bike workshop on Saturday thinking they are building bicycles for children less fortunate than they are. What the children don’t know is that they will actually get to keep the new bicycle. The surprise announcement will be made after each child finishes building their bicycle. While the Build-a-Bike Workshop is a lesson on teamwork and community involvement for the children, it’s also a lesson on giving back for the adults. “Our denomination and our church recognizes the  importance of mentoring young children,” says Rev. Mark Tyler, Pastor of Mother Bethel. “By working with the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation, we are able to make a difference in the lives of children in need right in time for the holidays.” The motto for the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation is “building communities one brick at a time.” The Foundation, among other things, awards academic scholarships to students across the country. It also gives grants to churches to maintain edifices. Supporting Mother Bethel’s Build-a-Bike mentoring program is another brick in the community building. “We’re excited about partnering with Mother Bethel and helping families in need at Christmas,” says Ed Ferguson, D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s father and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation.  “’Showing God’s love in action’ is a part of the foundation’s mission statement. Having mentors and children working together in this Build-a-Bike workshop is evidence of His love.” Mr. Ferguson and his wife, Rhunette, are also officers and members of Mother Bethel AME Church.
  In addition to the children being awarded the surprise, free, new bicycle they build, the kids will also receive a free helmet and bike safety tips. All media outlets needing additional information should contact Leslie Patterson-Tyler at (609) 247-2632 or Leslie@TylerMadePR.com

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