by justin strawser
SUNBURY - A local motorcycle club is hosting a ride in July to benefit an organization dedicated to helping families care for their babies.
"You think of bikers, you don't usually think of little babies, but almost everyone in our club is a parent," said Tim Thompson, president of Legion Riders of Sunbury.
Thompson knows firsthand the importance of raising money for local groups, such as Birthright, a nonprofite pregnancy help center, where parents-to-be can find help.
"Having babies myself, I was able to turn to them (Birthright) when I needed it. They helped me out and this is my chance to pay them back," he said.
Birthright is a volunteer organization and help is free. The Sunbury chapter is located at 264 Market St.
The Legion Riders of Sunbury, affiliated with the American Legion Post 201, formed in January and this will be their first benefit ride. They are supported by the Selinsgrove Legion Riders, New Berlin Legion Riders and the Susquehanna Motorcycle Club. The Sunbury chapter of Legion Riders consists of a dozen members, including veterans and children of veterans.
Thompson expects more than 200 bikers at the benefit, which begins with registration at 9 a.m. July 23 at the Legion, 611 Market St. The ride begins at 11:30 a.m. A fee of $10 for drivers and $5 for passengers is required to participate. Non-bikers are encouraged to join also and can travel in their vehicles behind the motorcycles.
From Sunbury, the riders will travel to posts in Selinsgrove and New Berlin, the Susquehanna Motorcycle Club in Milton, to posts in Danville and Northumberland and finally back to Sunbury. At each stop, riders and passengers can pick up a playing card. The player with the best hand at the end of the ride wins a prize.
The Legion's ladies auxiliary will be hosting a Chinese auction.
A meal will be served and music will be played until 11 p.m. or later.
All proceeds go to Birthright. Additionally, donors can give money or baby items such as diapers, formula, baby wipes or baby foods.
"There are certain times a year that their shelves are bare. The goal is to get them restocked," said Thompson.
He said they are also planning a benefit ride in September for Mostly Mutts, a no-kill shelter for dogs near Sunbury.
For more information, call the American Legion in Sunbury at 286-0431.