Oakton Student Plans Megathon Bike Ride to Raise Money for Habitat

(April 30, 2015) Oakton student John Bendewald, 20, plans on combining two of his biggest passions – bicycling and magic – in a bid to raise $10,000 for his College’s Habitat for Humanity Club and Habitat affiliates. His trek of more than a 1,000 mile-long loop on his hybrid mountain-road bike will take him to Duluth, Minnesota, before finishing in his home town, aptly named Wheeling, Illinois. Bendewald’s three-week project, which starts May 15 and ends June 13, will fulfill the requirements needed to complete honors contracts he has with four spring semester courses: Psychology of Personal Growth, Social Problems, Fundamentals of Acting, and Digital Photography.

The bicycling magician, who plans on performing tricks including pulling an eight-foot ladder out of a toolbox, has a soft spot for Habitat for Humanity. As a freshman, Bendewald had difficulty making friends until he went to Mississippi on spring break to help build houses with more than a dozen of his fellow students.

“That turned out to be the best week of my life,” he said. “I made life-long connections and found something I’m passionate about – helping others. I will always have a personal connection with Habitat for Humanity. On my trip, I’m hoping to find out more about myself while becoming stronger, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I plan on helping out whoever I can along the way.”

His instructors are more than impressed with the service learning components of his endeavor.

“John has found an ingenious way to combine what he has learned in theater class with his project that not only entertains, but educates the public about a valuable community organization,” said Patti Interrante, professor of speech and theater.

Marvin Bornschlegl, advisor to the College’s Habitat chapter, who is serving as Bendewald’s volunteer-activity advisor, added, “John’s project is an example of how service learning provides each of us with the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and others.”

Bornschlegl said that proceeds from John’s journey will help purchase windows for a home in Elgin that Oakton’s chapter is helping to build in partnership with Maine East High School and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. Additional donations from John’s project will be used to support Habitat for Humanity of Lake County and earthquake victims in Nepal.

To follow Bendewald on his adventure or to make a donation, visit 1000milesforhumanity.com.