Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (October 3, 2009) – On September 25-26 more than 975 riders participated in the annual Rock River Harley Owners’ Group (HOG) Ridin’ to a Cure 70-mile ride and fundraising events. Despite the weather and economy, the Friday night Salute to Survivors events and the Saturday events brought in an impressive $232,000 in sponsorships and donation money.
The mission of this annual event is to raise money to fund breast cancer research in Southeast Wisconsin. Run exclusively by volunteers with no administrative costs, over the past fifteen years, the Rock River HOG Chapter has raised in excess of $3.5 million to support their breast cancer research efforts.
Net proceeds raised go to the Rock River Cancer Research Foundation, who, in turn, allocates money to clinical breast cancer research projects in Wisconsin. The majority of past money raised has gone to research projects at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Carol Williams, an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, a primary recipient of funds in the past, directs a research laboratory that conducts studies on breast cancer. Her work is focused on identifying proteins inside of breast cancer cells--proteins that cause cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize. With funding from Ridin’ to a Cure, they have determined how to stop the production of these proteins--and decrease the ability of cancer cells to spread.
Williams participated in the 70-mile ride and post events and expressed her gratitude Saturday evening. “It is because of the Ride that I have been able to do this important research,“ commented Williams. “The majority of our funding for breast cancer research comes from the Rock River Cancer Research Foundation and we look forward to it in the future to fund the next generation of research.“
Past owner of Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, Kirk Topel, and new owners, Wade Fletcher, Brad Weber and Brian Glynn, were in attendance at the events and actively participated in auction fundraising efforts. Topel, who owned the dealership for 15 years, has supported the ride since its inception.
Rider Report
“A great idea is one that is so pure, everyone who touches it wants to spread the news and make it better by virtue of its importance. Ridin’ to a Cure is that idea in action. It is an event evolved from the hearts and minds of two women wanting to make a real difference for people,” stated Topel. “It has made a real difference. Be it emotional or physical, it has helped everyone who has come in contact with it as well as many who haven’t. Hopefully it will for years to come.“
The new ownership team expressed their commitment to continue future support of the ride. “The Ride has been generously supported by Wisconsin Harley-Davidson for the last 15 years and, through a renewed commitment, we look forward to continuing to sponsor and support this important fundraising event well into the future,” explained Fletcher.
The RRCRF is seeking additional opportunities to provide funding assistance for breast cancer research in southeastern Wisconsin. Grant request proposals can be sent to:
Rock River Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. 1288 Summit Avenue Suite 107. Oconomowoc, WI 53066
This year, a 2010 Ultra Classic was won by a Bear Creek resident who purchased their winning ticket at the Tomahawk Fall Festival.
Rock River Harley Owners Group sponsors the event each year and corporate supporters include Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual Life, Olympia Resort and Conference Center, Harris Marketing Group, Ewald Automotive Group and Geo-Synthetics Inc.
“It has been a difficult year for many non-profit organizations, but the commitment from local HOG chapter members and other area riders made this year’s event a success despite economic challenges,” expressed 2009 event Chairman Ken Matthews.
Next year will be the 16th anniversary for Ridin’ to a Cure. It will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2009 and the weather forecast is—as always for this event—expected to be beautiful! For more information on past rides, next year’s event or to donate on line, please visit our web site at www.ridintoacure.com.
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