Huntington Nonprofit Brett's Bicycle Recycle Says Goodbye

HUNTINGTON, NY — Brett's Bicycle Recycle is winding down. The Huntington-based nonprofit, which aimed to help kids and families enjoy the experience of owning a bicycle, announced Thursday on Facebook that it is discontinuing operations.

Lisa Karrer and her wife, Deborah Porretto, launched the nonprofit in early 2017 after Karrer's brother, Brett Rainey, died in a motorcycle crash in South Huntington on May 15, 2015. The duo started the organization to give back to the community that was there for them in their deepest time of grief. Karrer and Portetto, with heavy hearts, have opted to discontinue their organization.

"We've come to realize that it has taken a toll on us emotionally, mentally and physically," Brett's Bicycle Recycle wrote in a statement. "It was a difficult decision and we feel heartbroken that we will not be able to continue BBR."

The organization, for the past four years, collected unwanted bicycles, skateboards, scooters and more. It then repaired them and donated them to the underserved kids and teens in the community.

"Brett lived life to the fullest by enjoying the feeling of freedom that he got from riding motorcycles & bicycles," the nonprofit's Facebook description reads. "We know he would want to pass that feeling & that passion along to young kids especially to the ones who wouldn't typically be able to afford a bicycle. So this is our thank you to our community that has helped us in so many ways...sharing a little of Brett's passionate spirit."

More than 520 donations have been made to local children and families through Brett's Bicycle Recycle, according to the nonprofit.

"We are so happy that we were able to offer the unique service of getting bicycles in the hands of families during the COVID-19 pandemic," it wrote.

Karrer and Porretto thanked the board members for loving Brett, even though they never met him. Nancy Mustapich, Liam Mustapich, Cory Bolton, Lehti Laas and Kathy Castillo received the sincere thanks and love of Karrer and Porretto.

"We started our nonprofit in memory of our brother Brett and we know he is proud of us," Karrer and Porretto said. "We feel so honored and humbled that we were welcomed with open arms and we were sincerely appreciated by everyone in our community."

Brett's Bicycle Recycle will not be accepting any new bicycles or monetary donations, as it plans to donate its remaining repaired bicycles now through May.

"Thank you for helping keep Brett's memory alive," the nonprofit wrote. "Thank you all!"