Bikers raise funds for cancer patients at 13th annual Riding for the Cure

By Nathan Zisk

Indiana Gazette

July 27, 2024 Last Updated: July 28, 2024 02:55 PM Local News

All riders must wear glasses. Marylee Beveridge, of Butler, holds her pooch, Ellie May, as she waits on the back of a motorcycle for the start of the 2024 Riding for the Cure. The bikes met at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township and traversed a 100-mile loop. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP -- Hundreds of bikers came together to raise money for local cancer patients at the 13th annual Riding for the Cure fundraiser July 27 at American Legion Post 778 in the Lyndora section of Butler Township.

To date, Riding for the Cure has raised more than $450,000 for local cancer patients, according to Ned Kerr, the nonprofit’s co-founder and vice president.

Riding for the Cure board member Barbara Morgan said all the money raised goes toward assisting cancer patients with their bills and everyday needs.

“Our main objective every year is to raise as much money as we can for local cancer patients,” Morgan said. “So, none of our money goes toward research or doctors or anything like that; it goes straight to the patients to cover any medical bills.

“We (also) give gas cards, we give money for groceries, we donate hair pieces, (and hair) halos. And all the money stays local.”

Kerr added that funds are distributed to cancer patients through Butler’s community outreach programs.

The roughly 100-mile bike ride Saturday, which began at the American Legion, included four stops before looping back to Post 778 for dinner, refreshments and entertainment.

For their second stop, at The Beer Garden in Washington Township, lunch was donated to the riders by Butler Memorial Hospital and prepared by WoodmenLife, according to Kerr.

Proceeds from the event were raised through the registration fee for bikers, T-shirt sales, donations and raffles and auctions.

“We’ve got a beautiful day, (and) we’ve got tons and tons of generous people,” Kerr said. “When you see these large groups of bikes riding around, they’re usually raising money to help some kind of foundation. It’s really an amazing thing.”

Those who wish to support Riding for the Cure can visit their Facebook page for more information.

“Anything anybody can do to help us out to support us — every dime we raise is given away,” Kerr said.

She said check donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 624, Butler, PA, 16001.

Kerr said Riding for the Cure volunteers will not rest now that the 2024 event is complete.

“We’ll be looking for stuff … for next year’s (raffle) baskets,” she said.

Bikers file into the parking lot of American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township ahead of Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bikers leave American Legion Post 778 to head for Butler's Main Street during Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bikers head toward Butler's Main Street at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township during Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bikers file into the parking lot of American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township ahead of Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

A neighborhood cat checks out the motorcycles parked at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township ahead of Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bikers prepare to lift their kickstands in the parking lot of American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township ahead of Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bikers prepare to lift their kickstands in the parking lot of American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township at Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Bill and Marylee Beveridge of Butler, along with their dog, Ellie May, park their motorcycle at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township ahead of Riding For The Cure on Saturday, July 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle