Traverse City Record-Eagle

Grand Traverse County

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    FR. FRED RIDE
July 14, 2009

Bikers to hit the road for Father Fred

BY ART BUKOWSKI

TRAVERSE CITY -- Let the good times roll -- and the money roll in.

The 18th annual Northern Chapter Harley Owners Group (HOG) ride to benefit the Father Fred Foundation will take place this weekend. The event, expected to feature hundreds of riders, is one of the charitable organization's most important fundraisers.

"When you ride a bike, (it's about) freedom, peace and generosity," said Tara Baesch, co-chair of the event for HOG. "We really feel the Father Fred Foundation embodies the same values."

The nondenominational foundation, founded in 1989 by Catholic priest Edwin "Fred" Frederick, provides food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to those in need in the Grand Traverse region. It relies almost entirely on donations.

Registration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Classic Motor Sports off U.S. 31 at 3939 S. Blue Star Drive. A bike show along Front Street in downtown Traverse City is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday evening, and the main ride kicks off from Classic Motor Sports at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Riders also can register between 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The ride includes a breakfast at the VFW hall on Veterans Drive.

Riders pay $20 per person to take part, though organizers say many participants chip in much more. Last year's ride raised $20,000 for Father Fred, though it's perhaps even more valuable in terms of public exposure for the nonprofit organization.

"It's absolutely critical because that's who you rely on for your basic support," said David Abeel, director of development for Father Fred.

The foundation benefits from several other notable fundraisers throughout the year, including the Father Fred Cigar Dinner.

"These are wonderful fundraisers that give us the kind of flexible money we can use," Abeel said.

Father Fred's spiritual director, the Rev. Iakovos Olechnowicz, will lead the ride. Like Baesch, he sees a parallel between motorcycle riding and the foundation.

"Motorcycling itself is kind of out there, it's a free-spirited kind of experience," he said. "Because we receive no state or federal funding, we are able to act as our heart directs us, so it ties in nicely ... it really pulls together this idea of freedom."

More information about the ride is available from Baesch at 499-4352 or www.rideforfatherfred.com. All riders, not just Harley owners, are encouraged to attend.

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