Our Story
It was through devastation and generosity that Project ML-Gratitude was born. Sometimes the worst in people can spark the best in others.
On July 16th 2020 I was all set for a day of riding with a good friend. I gathered up all my gear and headed out to the parking lot of my Condo complex. When I got out to the space where my beloved bike lived, I found it empty. I stood there in shock staring at the empty spot where my bike had been. Somebody had stolen the bike that I had put so much of myself into. Seemed as though the years of building miles and miles of memories together were over and I was heartbroken.
The Wheat Ridge, Co Police Department found it 4 days later, but it was no longer the same bike. It had been severely abused and chopped. My custom purple paint job replaced by spray paint and less than stellar artwork. The back seat tossed and replaced with a pad held on by electrical tape and large screws bored into the chopped-up fender. I was devastated, but this story was not done.
I was contacted by Mark Lockman (the ML in our name) through a friend of a friend. Mark had a bike that he was no longer riding and he offered this bike to me free and clear wanting nothing in return. He said it was just the right thing to do. I was and am completely blown away by such generosity.
Sometimes the worst in people sparks the best in others. This was the case here and I will forever be grateful to Mark Lockman.
I was so inspired by this incredible gesture that I want to do the same for somebody else. I brought this idea to my good friend Mark Jester. He was all in and Project ML-Gratitude was born. We completely restored the damaged bike and donated it to a Colorado combat veteran, bringing this story full circle.
Since that time Project ML-Gratitude has been established as a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization. We have given away a total of 15 bikes. Our goal is to grow each year and become a resource for those wanting to donate a bike to a good cause and also to provide the peace that only a motorcycle can offer to fellow veterans.
Kim Tompkins - Founder
"Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have"
~ Jim Rohn
