Bike Run Benefits

Happy 4th of July to all, I pray you all enjoy yourselves and , above all, stay safe. Well this weekend proved exciting for the Vittles for Vets charity as we were invited to TWO separate motorcycle events which allowed us to promote and raise funds for the veteran charity. A veritable "Motorcycle Double Header."

The first event, titled American Patriot Ride, was held on Friday, July 3, with all the bikers meeting up at Rural King in Wytheville, VA. Then proceed down to Marion Courthouse for the sole purpose of protecting Confederate statues from possible damage due to planned protests. Fortunately all was quiet and peaceful. The surprise invitation to attend was received by me from Kim and Andy Pakacki. As few in their group had ever heard of the Vittles for Vets, they offered me a wonderful opportunity to explain the program, how it works and who it helps through speaking and passing out Vittles Mission Statements.

I do not have a final count on the "bikes" that attended as I lost count at sixty. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the bikers were, as bikers always are, friendly and engaging and very sympathetic towards the plight of the veterans we serve. How sympathetic to the cause you may ask, well the answer is they were $455.00 sympathetic to our veterans. The dollar amount equates to nine full weeks of food for a veteran. Kim, Andy I extend my heartfelt gratitude for including the Vittles in your event and helping us not only raise money but, spread the word of the fantastic work we do for our less fortunate veterans through the life-giving gift of food. God bless you both and all who rode with you yesterday.

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The second event in this double header happened today July 4th named the "Vittles for Vets Motorcycle Run" was hosted by Alex Barker and assisted by his lovely wife Candi. The ride began at 10:30 am and ended at around 1:00 pm, leaving from and returning to the Pulaski Church of God . There were a total of twenty five motorcycles participating in the event, some riders I had just seen the day before at the American Pride Ride, others have attended every bike run put on for the Vittles in the past four years.

Dave Salmons, owner/operator of PRS Towing in Radford followed the riders in a tow truck should some unfortunate biker need his service. Alex held a 50/50 raffle with the winner of the $87.50 prize generously donating it back to the charity.

All in all, Alex's fund raising event was quite successful as it raised a total of $685.00 for the charity which equates to 13 1/2 weeks in food gift cards for our veterans. A thank you "shout out" to Alex and Candi Barker for hosting the event, David Salmons for providing assistance should it have been needed, the Pulaski Church of God for allowing Alex to use their grounds as a staging area and last but not least , all the bikers that showed up in support of our charity.

Imagine, $1140.00 raised in two days through the energies, caring and generosity of all my new "biker" friends. Thank you on my behalf and on the behalf of the many veterans in serious need that you have assisted.