Motorcyclists raise thousands for American Cancer Society
The fourth annual Cancer Run sponsored by the River Valley and Fayette County chapters of A.B.A.T.E. raised several thousand dollars Saturday for the American Cancer Society. The ride started at noon at the Longbranch Saloon, North Union Township, with several hundred motorcyclists participating.
“It gets bigger every year. I’m trying to get other chapters involved,” said Deborah Goney, secretary of the River Valley chapter.
In addition to the motorcycle run, bikers and non-bikers alike were invited to White Tavern on Route 51 after the run for food, entertainment and an evening of dancing to a live band and additional fund-raising activities. Goney said one man called from Washington for directions, saying he didn’t ride a motorcycle, but wanted to participate in the event because he had lost a family member to cancer.
Vendors, including a tattoo artist, set up at the event free of charge, though each made a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Goney said part of the reason for the Cancer Run is an attempt to change the image of motorcycle riders.
“Bikers are stereotyped as being rebels and bad guys. I just like to get out there and show them we’re not,” said Goney. “We want people to be aware that we are good people and we do care about our community. We’ve got pastors riding with us. Bikers are doctors, lawyers, priests, nurses. We’re just regular people.”
Goney said the local chapter of A.B.A.T.E., the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education, has been involved in numerous community projects, including the Cancer Run.
“It started out personal. There were so many people who had lost parents and grandparents. I lost my mother when she was only 34. She left four kids,” Goney said.
Other charitable activities throughout the year include donating about $1,500 to the Brownsville Soup Kitchen for toys for area children at Christmas and $400 to the Brownsville Free Public Library for books.
The group has also adopted Route 166 for twice-a-year cleaning, and members regularly go to local schools for an education program called “Operation Save a Life.”
Group members also assisted West Brownsville residents struck by flooding this spring. And, Goney said the chapter belongs to the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Goney said the event raised $1,025 the first year, growing to $4,600 last year, which was the third year for the Cancer Run.