College Station Grandparents Organize a Heartfelt Bike Build to Honor Their Grandson
In a heartwarming tribute to their late grandson, Kristie and Wayne Wisniewski from College Station are gearing up for a special event this Saturday, the inaugural James Wisniewski III Memorial Bike Build Event, which will take place in Katy. This meaningful gathering aims to commemorate the spirit and love for bikes that young James cherished so dearly.
A Passion for Bikes and Happiness
James Wisniewski was not just any teenager; he had a deep love for biking and an infectious joy for life. Kristie reflected on how they truly grasped the extent of his enthusiasm after he unexpectedly passed away due to an accidental shooting. “As we navigated through our grief, we were reached out to by many of his friends and their families. One mother shared with us that James was her favorite among her son’s friends because he radiated happiness,” Kristie said. “When she asked him why he was so happy, his reply was simple: ‘I choose to be happy.’
A Vision to Honor His Legacy
Determined to celebrate James’s life rather than his tragic passing, the Wisniewskis decided to dedicate this event to him. The event is set to happen at Aristoi Classical Academy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where they hope to give away 31 bikes to deserving second and third graders in the area. This number holds extra significance since they aspire to eventually distribute 6,886 bikes, a tribute to each day James was part of their lives before his untimely death.
Finding Inspiration in Shared Grief
After attending a conference where former country music star Granger Smith spoke about healing from the loss of his son, Wayne Wisniewski received a poignant reminder of the timeline of their heartbreak. “Amber Smith asked me how many days we had with James. I told her it was 6,886 days. That became our beacon—a way to honor his memory with each bike given away,” Wayne shared.
Generosity from the Community
Initially, the Wisniewskis aimed to give away just 20 bikes. But the response from the community was nothing short of incredible. With the help of TC Energy, who kicked off fundraising efforts for the event, the budget quickly grew from $8,000 to an astonishing $10,000. Kristie was thrilled, adding, “They called this a fully funded project! We were nervous about organizing teams, yet here we are with so much support that we can possibly build even more bikes in future events.”
Partnering for a Cause
The Wisniewskis teamed up with Bikes for Goodness Sake, an organization dedicated to providing bikes to children in need. What’s on the agenda? A bustling assembly line, with 21 teams of volunteers ready to put together two bikes each during the two-hour event. Parents can rest easy knowing that each bike will come equipped with safety helmets and all the tools necessary for maintenance—keeping in mind James’s passion for biking!
A Gift to the Community
For the Wisniewski family, this event serves a dual purpose: honoring their grandson while helping families in financial strain. Kristie noted, “When kids receive bikes, that’s one expense parents don’t have to worry about. It frees up their resources for other essentials like clothes or food.”
Building a Bright Future
In addition to the bikes being given away, the event holds the promise of instilling a love for biking in a new generation. Wayne fondly recalled James’s athleticism, saying, “He could easily ride 20 to 30 miles! This isn’t just about giving away bikes; it’s about sparking joy, adventure, and encouraging physical fitness.”
Looking Ahead
The Wisniewskis are excited about future opportunities, hinting at collaborating with local churches in Bryan and College Station for subsequent bike builds. As Kristie said, “We would love to partner with Central Church. If James were here, he’d be over the moon about us doing this! His big dreams are what inspire us to keep moving forward.”
With Saturday’s event right around the corner, the community is invited to join in this incredible celebration of life, love, and the enduring spirit of a remarkable young man.
