|
 |
Grandpa provides a truly unique raffle item
|
|
|
 |
Jimmy Merrill is amazed at the generosity of his friends who surprised him with this replica of a motorbike. He’s hoping the charity gets a good return on their $18.50 investment. The replica will be raffled off during the Juvenile Diabetes Walkathon.
|
|
"This is just awesome," exclaimed a teary-eyed grandpa as he showed off the handmade replica of a Harley Davidson chopper motorcycle. "This is the most awesome thing I have ever seen."
Jimmy Merrill of Ogden could hardly believe what his employees/friends at G & S Handyman Service did for him. Merrill had told them about his 12-year-old step-granddaughter, Emily Hefler's diagnosis of juvenile diabetes and how he was trying to come up with an item that could be raffled off at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walkathon Saturday, April 14 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines. "They came together and did this for us then surprised me with it last week."
Merrill was excited to show it off at Clark's Food Mart.
The frame was cut from an old counter top; forks supporting the front wheel - mop handles, the seat - badger and elk hide. "That was Grandma's idea," said Merrill. "They even stole my spark plugs and wires." This helped lend a more authentic look to the cycle. The brake and clutch handles, fenders, chain and gear were contributed by a friend in Boone who recycles bicycles. A gold spray-painted milk jug is the gas tank. Although the wood block engine is strictly for looks, Merrill flips a switch to show a working head lamp and tail lamp.
Emily, the daughter of Chris and Melissa Hefler of Ogden, is putting on the final touch. Her handmade license plate will read: Help Cure Juvenile Diabetes.
The bike is obviously just a conversation piece. "I wouldn't want to sit on it," says Merrill. |
|
©The Ogden Reporter 2013
|
|
|
