Michael Penza's medical debt fund
Donation protected
Michael Penza needs our help! Michael is a co-owner of Wiggle Bicycles, the beloved community bike shop that has served the Lower Haight (and everyone who passes by on San Francisco’s Wiggle bike path) for over 5 years. Michael and his business partner, Garret, put their customers’ best interests before their own, and have made it their mission to serve low- and moderate-income San Franciscans who are struggling to get by. Now it’s time to turn that love and generosity back around on Michael and help him overcome the debt that he has struggled with since 2014. Your support will help ensure he is able continue as a small business owner in this city.
Please give what you can to help Michael build the financial footing he needs to continue to devote himself to San Francisco’s cycling community. Michael’s debt currently stands at about $16,500. It would be great if we could completely eliminate the debt, but any amount will help to lighten his load. And if you see the man in the shop, give him a hug, it’s hard to put all this out here publicly.
Michael’s Story
Michael put all of his savings into the dream of moving to San Francisco and opening a bike shop. In February 2011, his dream came true when he opened his first shop, Everybody Bikes. A little over a year later, he began having the first symptoms of a major medical saga that derailed his life. He lost his business, just 2 ½ years after it opened, and was unable to work for 9 months. During that time Michael had to take on substantial credit card debt to support his medical and living expenses.
In March of 2014, just as he was returning to full health, Michael was fortunate to meet Garret Peters and started working for him at Wiggle Bicycles. The two hit it off and quickly became business partners. But those nine months spent not working were expensive and Michael has been fighting to get out from under this financial burden ever since. Meanwhile, Wiggle Bicycles has continued to honor its commitment to their lower-income customers. Unfortunately, despite how very busy Wiggle Bicycles is, Michael hasn’t been able to pay himself a wage that allows him to pay off his debt. The persistent burden of chipping away at this debt is certainly harmful to Michael’s capacity to support himself and the Wiggle Bicycles community.
The Amazing Part
What’s remarkable is that, through it all, Michael has only deepened his empathy for people who are struggling. That empathy benefits all of Wiggle’s customers, but particularly those who struggle with the costs of bike maintenance. Garret and Michael have developed an ingenious way to serve their customers whose needs outpace their means. They call it the “Pedal It Forward” fund.
“Pedal It Forward” exemplifies Michael’s values of sharing and supporting the community. It provides a way for their better off customers to kick in a little extra money or donate used bike parts so that they can do repairs for customers who couldn't afford them otherwise. Michael and the whole Wiggle team do lots of other things – with their own time, and at their own expense – to make sure everyone has access to the best and most affordable form of transport out there!
Everyone who walks through the door at Wiggle Bicycles can feel the ethos of generosity and thoughtfulness that led to the creation of Pedal It Forward. Here are some testimonials from Wiggle’s Yelp page (where they are the highest-rated bike shop in San Francisco):
--They have an obviously earnest drive to build community through bicycling, and I always feel as renewed as my bike when I leave. – Brian H.
--The staff is highly skilled but what is unusual is that they really CARE for your bike not just fix it. This is an honest shop, doing only what you really need and at great prices. I highly recommend it as both a shop and a community-aware resource. – Dave R.
--I legit think that they are making the world a better place. – Amy M.
Your donation will help Michael continue this essential work without sacrificing his ability to support himself. Our deepest gratitude for anything you can contribute.
All funds raised will go directly to a bank account that Michael has created for this purpose.
Please give what you can to help Michael build the financial footing he needs to continue to devote himself to San Francisco’s cycling community. Michael’s debt currently stands at about $16,500. It would be great if we could completely eliminate the debt, but any amount will help to lighten his load. And if you see the man in the shop, give him a hug, it’s hard to put all this out here publicly.
Michael’s Story
Michael put all of his savings into the dream of moving to San Francisco and opening a bike shop. In February 2011, his dream came true when he opened his first shop, Everybody Bikes. A little over a year later, he began having the first symptoms of a major medical saga that derailed his life. He lost his business, just 2 ½ years after it opened, and was unable to work for 9 months. During that time Michael had to take on substantial credit card debt to support his medical and living expenses.
In March of 2014, just as he was returning to full health, Michael was fortunate to meet Garret Peters and started working for him at Wiggle Bicycles. The two hit it off and quickly became business partners. But those nine months spent not working were expensive and Michael has been fighting to get out from under this financial burden ever since. Meanwhile, Wiggle Bicycles has continued to honor its commitment to their lower-income customers. Unfortunately, despite how very busy Wiggle Bicycles is, Michael hasn’t been able to pay himself a wage that allows him to pay off his debt. The persistent burden of chipping away at this debt is certainly harmful to Michael’s capacity to support himself and the Wiggle Bicycles community.
The Amazing Part
What’s remarkable is that, through it all, Michael has only deepened his empathy for people who are struggling. That empathy benefits all of Wiggle’s customers, but particularly those who struggle with the costs of bike maintenance. Garret and Michael have developed an ingenious way to serve their customers whose needs outpace their means. They call it the “Pedal It Forward” fund.
“Pedal It Forward” exemplifies Michael’s values of sharing and supporting the community. It provides a way for their better off customers to kick in a little extra money or donate used bike parts so that they can do repairs for customers who couldn't afford them otherwise. Michael and the whole Wiggle team do lots of other things – with their own time, and at their own expense – to make sure everyone has access to the best and most affordable form of transport out there!
Everyone who walks through the door at Wiggle Bicycles can feel the ethos of generosity and thoughtfulness that led to the creation of Pedal It Forward. Here are some testimonials from Wiggle’s Yelp page (where they are the highest-rated bike shop in San Francisco):
--They have an obviously earnest drive to build community through bicycling, and I always feel as renewed as my bike when I leave. – Brian H.
--The staff is highly skilled but what is unusual is that they really CARE for your bike not just fix it. This is an honest shop, doing only what you really need and at great prices. I highly recommend it as both a shop and a community-aware resource. – Dave R.
--I legit think that they are making the world a better place. – Amy M.
Your donation will help Michael continue this essential work without sacrificing his ability to support himself. Our deepest gratitude for anything you can contribute.
All funds raised will go directly to a bank account that Michael has created for this purpose.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joanna Ladd
Organizer
San Francisco, CA
Michael Penza
Beneficiary