COAL TOWNSHIP - Motorcycle riders and others are gearing up for the 11th annual Big House Benefit Run set for Saturday, May 7, rain or shine.
The ride, which primarily involves motorcycles but is open to any kind of vehicle, is organized by C.O.A.L. (Corrections Officers Assistance League) at State Correctional Institution-Coal Township. Proceeds benefit correctional officers who have suffered hardships and are not receiving any income.
Riders leave SCI-Coal Township at 10 a.m. to embark on an 80-mile tour of central Pennsylvania. A poker run sign-up, 50/50 and raffle tickets will be available at the registration table, which opens at 8:45 a.m. the day of the ride. The ride will end at Lake Glory Campground near Catawissa, where lunch be provided for all registered riders.
The registration fee of $18, payable in advance, guarantees an event T-shirt. On-site registration is $20, with no guarantee of a shirt.
To register or for information, contact the group by e-mail at BHBRevent@hotmail.com.
The event started in early 2000 when two employees at SCI-Coal Township were stricken with illness. Due to their lengthy recoveries, they depleted all their earned leave time. A few employees got together and formed C.O.A.L. In less than three months, a motorcycle ride, as well as donations, food, a poker run and other fundraising efforts had been organized.
Since then, C.O.A.L. has helped more than 25 staff members at SCI-Coal Township.
The event, which has the blessing of the prison superintendent, is held the Saturday following Corrections Employee Week.
Signs will be posted along Route 61 in the greater Shamokin area the day of the event to direct participants to SCI-Coal Township.