The Helping with Horsepower Bike Rebuild Program is helping the Abbott House Celebrate its 75th Anniversary.

Forty young women from the ages of 9-17, all residents of the Abbott House in Mitchell, South Dakota, worked alongside volunteer facilitators – Klock Werks’ Laura Klock, Karlee Cobb, and Jennifer Bainbridge – to completely transform a Harley-Davidson Road King from something bare and neglected to a beautiful custom motorcycle. The girls were hands-on throughout the Helping With Horsepower Bike Rebuild Program, from creating a special 75th Anniversary design, to choosing fender and handlebar options, installing parts, and changing the wheels and tires. Because this motorcycle will help the Abbott House celebrate its 75th Anniversary, it was made even more special by adding a vintage style sidecar to symbolize the power and impact the Abbott House has had on children and their families for 75 years.

True to the mission of Abbott House, the intent of the Bike Rebuild Program is to provide education, empowerment, and encouragement for Abbott House girls, who are generally at-risk due to abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol issues, self harm tendencies, and/or the inability of their families to support them. “It’s always so amazing how each of these  projects mirror the challenges Abbott House girls face as they overcome abuse and neglect and learn to love themselves again,” Laura Klock, President of Helping With Horsepower. “This year’s project motorcycle, like many of the girls, came to us “torn down” and neglected. It needed rebuilding, but had a beautiful diamond cut “sparkling” motor that the girls noticed immediately. The bike was named “STAR”, appropriately, because we all have a “shining star” inside of us, we just need some help with the rest of the transformation as we grow into something amazing and beautiful.”

“The Helping with Horsepower Bike Rebuild Programs have had a significant impact on the Abbott House girls and staff,” said Eric Klooz, Executive Director of Abbott House. “As the girls learn the various types and uses of tools and how to remove motorcycle parts, they also learn life skills, such as perseverance, team work, and problem solving. In addition, the financial impact of the motorcycle raffles has been significant. We are proud to draw the winner of this year’s project motorcycle at our 75th Anniversary Celebration.” Klooz said.

Many leading industry businesses have recognized the value of this project and have offered support including Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, J&L Harley-Davidson, Smitty’s Custom Paint, PPG, Vance & Hines, Mustang Seats, Kuryakyn, J&P Cycles, ChromeMasters, California Chrome, MTI Powersports, and TEX EFX. In addition, many local businesses are supporting this year’s project as well, including Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Home Federal Bank, Logan Theatres, Make It Mine Designs, B&B Upholstery, Subway of Mitchell, Sun God Trophies, and Whisky Creek.

The Abbott House 75th Anniversary Celebration will feature Billy Mills, former South Dakotan and 1964 10,000 Meter Olympic Gold Medalist, as guest speaker, and the winner of STAR will be drawn as part of the program. Tickets for “STAR” can be purchased online until the night of November, 15 at www.abbotthouse.org. Banquet tickets can be purchased by calling 605-996-2486 or [email protected].