Route 12 Harley-Davidson owners Cory Wright and Tom Wiers presented St. Joe Community Co-op with a check for $1,350 this week.
The funds were raised during a benefit ride on Sturgis Fest “Bike Night” called “Hogs Roll Ride.”
Wiers said he was expecting maybe 20 or 30 motrocycles to come out to the shop’s first event. When he counted about 125 bikes, he was surprised to say the least. Sturgis has a tremendous riding community that is supportive of the shop’s efforts, he said.
Route 12 worked with Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Joseph County United Way to find an organization to donate to. Kelly Hostetler of United Way said St. Joe Community Co-op was a great fit, based on the shop owners’ interests.
Wiers and Wright presented the check Thursday to Krysti Boughton, executive director of the co-op, and staff. Boughton said the funds will be used specifically for the co-op’s after-hours program. The program is geared toward helping those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and mental illness to gain more independence over their lives and in their communities, she said. Some participants don’t always have the funds to participate in some events, for example, going to the movies or the zoo.
Route 12 Harley-Davidson is planning its next event for Aug. 6. The poker run is being called “Sturgis in Sturgis.” This time, the ride will benefit Children’s Trauma Assessment Group of St. Joseph County. A lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and the ride begins at 1 p.m.
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