Sunday, August 30 brought out the best in Biker compassion as Daisy’s Run was held in memory of a little girl who passed on last year while SML and Roanoke area chapters were trying to help her. Below are remarks from her mom, Kristen Gilmer. Note- The final donation was $1000.

“If you were in Vinton today and heard/saw about 65+ motorcycles, that was all for my sweet Daisy girl Star City Abate of VA, Backroads, Halesford, Mt Thunder, Empty Tomb, Star City Soldiers, Noke Riders RC and individual riders all came together to ride for Daisy. Together, they raised $964 for us to Donate to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation in Daisy’s honor so that one day there will hopefully be a cure for this terrible cancer.

The amount of love and support that we have received from these groups for the past year has touched all of our hearts. They think about Daisy still, were impacted by her and continue ride in memory of her! We are grateful for each and every one of them!”

Sunday August 16 was a bittersweet day at the Salem Moose Lodge. The Blue Ridge/ Back Roads chapter held an emergency fundraiser for a departed sister’s family. Crystal passed away in her sleep while on vacation at Virgina Beach and the chapter raised funds to help bring her home. Lots of folks came out in support on short notice in iffy weather. Sad occasion, but good to see brothers and sisters from other chapters and organizations coming out to support family. A scenic ride was followed by fellowship and music by Blue Connection.

Catawba Valley Chapter hosted a ride-and-social event in memory of Rick Lucas on August 8 at the Salem Moose Lodge to benefit the Roanoke Angels of Assisi. The well-organized event collected a truckload of pet food and donations totaling over $6000! I was pleased that members of six different ABATE chapters came out in support. I tagged along behind one of several groups to make the ride. August and September are shaping up to be busy. Keep the rubber side down.

The Professor

I want to thank Star City chapter for joining me in representing at the 1st Annual Toys for Kids poker run. I was at the beginning, and they were closer to the end. I think this event can get bigger in coming years and can be great public relations while supporting a great cause. With Bedford being close to Roanoke and Lynchburg area chapters, the potential for positive public exposure is tremendous.

Congratulations go out to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Bedrock Thunder, the Bedford County Volunteer Fire Departments, Benjamin’s Restaurant, HD of Lynchburg, and others. It was well organized and supported. Benjamin’s had plenty of friendly wait staff on hand. I almost did not buy a shirt, until I saw the badge emblem on the front, lol.

The Catawba Valley Chapter is sponsoring an old school poker run in memory of Rick Lucas on August 8 to benefit Roanoke’s Angels of Assisi organization. Registration begins at 8:00 am at the Salem Moose Lodge with kickstands up at 10:30. Food and live music will be there also. See the flyer below for more details and come on out!

WARNING!-

Someone used my email address from this website to try and scam me. They claimed to be Stan and wanted me to buy gift cards for a charity. I checked the return address. IT WAS NOT Stan!

Always confirm where an email is coming from and NEVER click a link in an email. I was recently victim of an identity theft attempt and it is no fun. Be safe online.

The Professor

Thank you to Neil and Highlands Chapter for inviting me to Burnouts for a Cause on June 20 to talk to interested folks about ABATE and our mission. Our membership director, Chuck, and Kim brought our new canopy and 50th anniversary banner to reach out to potential members at this communitywide event. The three of us from the Iron Horse Cavalry chapter, joined Highlands chapter folk, a Blue Ridge/Back Roads chapter contingent and others for an impressive showing.

Burnouts for a Cause is both a burnout competition and car show held at the Connington Moose Lodge to benefit area humane societies. There were lots of vendors near us and I think most all of Covington came through and some point.

Several folks stopped by to speak with us during the day. We got some really great public exposure. Hopefully, we will get a few members. At the very least, we made a positive public impression. Keep up the great work Highlands!