Starting the day under hot sunny skies, 96 riders participated in the first “Kooch County Cruise” motorcycle ride on Saturday for the United Way raising $7,614 for local agencies.
The first-time ride was started by local riders who after participating for several years in successful United Way rides on the Iron Range wanted to do the same thing for Koochiching County. A volunteer committee of riders and non-riders felt they could create a great event and help people in need. Participants were from the International Falls area, Fort Frances, the Iron Range and outside the state.
“Everything went so well,” said Joe Dion, volunteer ride tail gunner.
“With the cooperation of the Sheriff’s Department, volunteer Chad Nelson, local law enforcement and emergency medical technician David Vohler, we were able to ride the 200 miles safely,” said Dion.
He noted that a truck provided by Wherley Motors that followed riders with emergency support was important especially the group hit some brief thunderstorms.
Many people contributed to the event’s success. Timberpins Bowling and Lounge, a major sponsor, hosted a wrap-up party providing dinner, a bonfire and entertainment for the riders. An auction, raffles and free drawings, all sponsored by donations, were held during the dinner. Cash donations and in-kind donations also contributed to the profitable event.
“We are already planning our ride for next year”, said Lori Lyman, United Way Advisory Board member and event volunteer. “These riders did all of the work and made this great event happen to support the agencies we are funding.”
On Tuesday, the United Way fund distribution process will be conducted at the Boise Training Center. Volunteers will be interviewing the agencies who applied for United Way funding to decide on the distributions. Donations collected from the spring campaign will be distributed. That campaign includes gifts from individuals, businesses, employees and proceeds from events held throughout the year such as the Hooked on Talent contest and the Kooch County Cruise.
“We are working to tally the total amount for distribution on Tuesday,” said Lyman. “United Way donations have made a positive impact in the lives of those who need help in our area.”
Pictures from the event will be available for viewing after July 1, by logging onto www.unitedwaynemn.org/koochcruise [1].