Ride2 Recovery Dance-a-thon
Williamsburg American Legion Auxiliary Unit 456 held a Dance-A-Thon Saturday March 13that the Williamsburg Veterans Memorial Center to benefit Ride2Recovery (an organization that promotes the rehabilitation of our Wounded Warriors through the use of cycling.).
Steamer from the Altoona Curve was there to welcome all the dancers to the event.
Members from the Navy’s Seabee’s were there along with Cub Scouts from Pac 353 from Williamsburg To Post The American Flag,
Scott Derr a spokesperson and cyclist for Ride2Recovery came from Dillsburg Pa. and spoke about the R2R program, and the difference it makes in the lives of our Veterans. Derr spoke of how he got involved in the program, “ I was watching a TV show on Ride2Recovery, I thought I would mail a check. The next thing you know I am joining in on the rides.” “Getting out there and meeting our Veterans, and hearing their stories, it just makes it all worthwhile”. Derr a Marine Corps Veteran was amazed at the support from The Williamsburg Community.
Stacy Parks Chairman for the event was pleased to announce that the total raised for R2R hit the $6,000.00 mark. That’s the amount to buy one of the retrofitted Bicycle’s. Our Wounded Veterans are rehabbing on the stationery spinning bikes while recovering in our VA Hospitals around the Nation, The retrofitted bikes are mobile bikes fitted to each veterans needs. The bikes are donated to our vets through the R2R program. Once their bikes are ready the veteran can begin training to participate in cycle fest and other R2Revents where our guys get out and raise more money for more bikes and rides! It’s an on going circle where everyone wins.
Stacy Hughes Unit President was presented with a check from The American Legion Department of Pa. Western Section President Paullina Melvin; “Paullina heard about our event and came down in the rain from Beaver Falls Pa. to bring us a donation. She raised over $500 for the cause.” Barbara Lysic The Department of Pa. VA and R Chairman from Lilly Pa presented a check for over $300.00.
A silent auction was held in conjunction with the Dance, all gift baskets were donated by local businesses. Gift baskets included earrings donated by Prospector Jewelry of Martinsburg. Weekend retreats from Ramada Inn and The Hampton Inn. Along with various other prizes. The Auction raised over $500.00 for R2R.
Each participant was given tickets for free meals Snacks were also sold and the kitchen staff raised over $300. Most of the food was donated by our local stores and meat markets, along with donations from UTZ Potato Chips and Strohmans Breads. “We really couldn’t have done it all with out their support!”
The Auxiliary will be taking donations till March 28th2010 so if you would like to donate to the cause please make checks payable to The Williamsburg American Legion Auxiliary Unit 456 and in your memo box write R2R.Mail checks to The Williamsburg American Legion 1325 Yellow Springs Drive Williamsburg Pa, 16693.
Prizes were awarded to the children that raised the most money in donation. 1st place went to Mason and Madison Ford of Altoona Pa. they raised over $500 in donations and received an X-Box Gamming System. 2ndPrize went to Alexis Pentland of Williamsburg Pa. raising over $200. Alexis also won an X-Box. 3rdPlace went to Harley Leonard of Williamsburg raising over $200. Harley won a Wii System.
Event organizers were worried about the weather, some people just came and dropped off donations and wanted to hurry home and beat the rising waters. But the community pulled together and raised enough to help in the sponsorship of one American Solider!
To see more pictures visit the gallery.
Article by Lynn Akers