Buddy Lee Tweedie at Roscoe Village Bikes Has His Own Fan Club

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In the heat of biking season, we dropped by Roscoe Village Bikes the other day to satisfy our fixed-gear fix. There he was, Buddy Lee Tweedie just chillin' on the floor staying cool. But what most customers shopping around him didn't know was that Buddy is cool year-round. This store sidekick has his own fan club--with a twist.

Sometime around 2003, Buddy was born into a troubled situation and eventually picked up by animal control. He made his way to a shelter called Orphans of the Storm far, far north of the city. As his bio states, when bike shop owners, Alex and Lesley met Buddy he was about 1 year old and he was very sad. Over time Buddy became less sad but he still usually has a worried look on his face.

Buddy has always worked as the lazy greeter at the shop (that's how he gets paid) but he also is the face of the Buddy Fan Club which was founded in 2007 because he had made so many friends. The fan club has bi-monthly beneficiaries who align themselves with canine friendliness. When customer's go into the shop, they can pick up a Buddy Fan Club badge for $5 supporting the organization up at bat. Partnering organizations in the past have included PAWS, New Leash on Life Chicago, ARF House Chicago, Greyhounds Only, and of course Orphans of the Storm.

Proceeds for June & July go to Alive Rescue for the Ride Alive benefit bike ride on July28th which we're sure Buddy will ride in.
· Roscoe Village Bikes [Official Site]