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Nearly five dozen motorcycle and trike riders took to the roads and by-ways of central Indiana to support the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.
“Guide Dogs of America does a great job of providing whole life support [for the dogs] which then in turn supports people needing a support dog, whether it’s a seeing eye dog or therapy/emotional support dog,” said event road captain Ronnie Gonzalez of Local 701 in Aurora, Ill.
Watch a highlight video of the ride.
Riders had patron sponsors who donated for those riders’ participation in the road run, which covered more than 100 miles of road in and around Bloomington, Ind. The heat of a summer heat wave did not deter the union members from raising over $10,000.
“Donate today, give freedom to someone tomorrow” was the slogan on the T-shirt of one rider. Midwest Territory Chief of Staff Rick Mickschl said the shirt captured the spirit of the weekend’s events to support the charity.
“We’re having a great ride,” said Scott Kindred of District 8 in Burr Ridge, Ill. “The weather’s been perfect, and we’ve traveled on great roads.”
The ride included three stops to refuel and draw hands for a charity poker run.
“This was a true success for everybody who collectively came together,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The Local, the Midwest Territory staff, volunteers, friends, family, that all came together had a great time, rode on a beautiful day and were able to successfully come up with the funds to forward to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.”
The event planning and preparation made for a hitch free event. An awards ceremony followed with announcements of the volunteer winners, including:
Overall best fundraiser: Local 1377 Wakesha, Wis.
2nd place fundraiser: Randy Nelson (Awarded a Machinists Vest) and Jose Negron,
District 10, Local 1377 Wakesha, Wis.
3rd place fundraiser: Steve McDerman, District 837, St. Louis, MO.
Ride Leader
Tony Wickersham
Road Captains, Safety Team:
Todd Humleker, Lead Road Captain
Ronnie Gonzalez, Road Captain
Steve McDermott, Road Captain
Brian Simmons, Road Captain
Ken Thomas, Road Captain
Spirit of the Midwest Photo Gallery
