More than 1,000 join charity motorcycle ride to fight cancer
Event started in 2004 in honor of Packers employee
By Corinthia McCoy
[email protected]
Motorcyclists made the 90-mile trip on Saturday from Lambeau Field to Peshtigo and back to show support for cancer victims and their families.
More than 1,000 people on 700 motorcycles paid $10 to participate in the third annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer. The parade, named after the event's organizer, was topped off with food, music and auctions at Lambeau Field in the afternoon.
The fundraiser's start coincides with Jerry Parins' fight with cancer. He was diagnosed in 2004. Parins, the director of security for the Green Bay Packers, said it was because of his employer that the motorcycle fest began.
The organization honored him because he was so active in other charitable-motorcycle events. The Packers funded the first ride in 2004, Parins said.
"The Packers were there to start this thing and supports it in all measures," he said. "I was very fortunate. I've got a great job and great friends."
Last year's event grossed enough to fund this year's event and distribute $38,000 to five organizations in May including Unity Hospice and the Passionate Care Fund, a St. Vincent Hospital program, Parins said. Totals for this year were unavailable Saturday.
Participants have fun, but they understand the serious side of the event.
"Everybody knows somebody who has died from it, and I know quite a few," said Hobart resident Marlene Kocken. The first-time participant rode her 1999 Harley-Davidson Road Key during the festival and enjoyed it so much, she plans to do it again.
Event started in 2004 in honor of Packers employee
By Corinthia McCoy
[email protected]
Motorcyclists made the 90-mile trip on Saturday from Lambeau Field to Peshtigo and back to show support for cancer victims and their families.
More than 1,000 people on 700 motorcycles paid $10 to participate in the third annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer. The parade, named after the event's organizer, was topped off with food, music and auctions at Lambeau Field in the afternoon.
The fundraiser's start coincides with Jerry Parins' fight with cancer. He was diagnosed in 2004. Parins, the director of security for the Green Bay Packers, said it was because of his employer that the motorcycle fest began.
The organization honored him because he was so active in other charitable-motorcycle events. The Packers funded the first ride in 2004, Parins said.
"The Packers were there to start this thing and supports it in all measures," he said. "I was very fortunate. I've got a great job and great friends."
Last year's event grossed enough to fund this year's event and distribute $38,000 to five organizations in May including Unity Hospice and the Passionate Care Fund, a St. Vincent Hospital program, Parins said. Totals for this year were unavailable Saturday.
Participants have fun, but they understand the serious side of the event.
"Everybody knows somebody who has died from it, and I know quite a few," said Hobart resident Marlene Kocken. The first-time participant rode her 1999 Harley-Davidson Road Key during the festival and enjoyed it so much, she plans to do it again.
