Charity ride runs through Othello
Courtesy photo - Approximately 500 riders escorted the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to the Pasco Cemetery this past May.
The 7th annual Post 209 Legion Riders POW/MIA Charity Ride is Saturday, Sept. 16. The poker run will cover 150 miles and include five stops at designated sponsor locations; two of which are located in Othello.
The first stop is at 11:30 a.m. at McCain Foods. The second stop will be at Pioneer Park at 12:45pm.
Larry Enger, fundraising chairman for the ride said the event, which started out “small” has really blossomed over the years.
“The first ride consisted of less than a dozen riders and raised less than $100,” Enger said. “We’re expecting to attract 100 riders from all over the region and raise between $10,000 and $15,000.”
Proceed from the charity ride will be donated to charities that support veterans and veteran families including the Thomas A. Biddle Foundation, which helps families deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the Fisher House which is a network of comfort homes for military and veteran’s families who can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment.
Pat Hanford, ride director for Post 209 based in Moses Lake is excited about the event.
“We’re going to see a lot of military veterans riding in this event from every branch of the service. We’ll also have a lot of other clubs and independent riders coming out to support this event in remembrance of our POW’s and MIA’s too,” Hanford said. “If you would like to make a donation while we are at Pioneer Park the would be great. But you’ll make a lot of veterans happy if you just come out and show your support.”
American Legion Riders are a brotherhood and sisterhood of U.S. veterans representing all military branches. Chapters are known for their charitable work, and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, animal shelters, veteran’s homes, scholarships, severely wounded service members and their families.
There is still time to join the POW/MIA Charity Ride. Registration continues from 9 to 10 a.m. at the American Legion, 538 W Broadway in Moses Lake. Cost is $25 per person and includes lunch, dinner, and a raffle ticket and poker hand.