TRAVERSE CITY — The suggested donation is $20 to ride with the Northern Chapter Harley Owners Group in an annual charity event.
But, Paul Jarboe said, previous riders have paid as much as $50 or $100 to cruise with hundreds of other motorcycle enthusiasts up Old Mission Peninsula.
It's for a cause. Every dollar contributed during this weekend's 18th annual ride will be given to the nonprofit Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City.
Jarboe, a HOG member who will participate in the "Ride for Father Fred" for the ninth time, said the event attracts riders from across Michigan.
"The ride on Sunday always brings people out with their lawn chairs to watch," he said. "I'm told from people who watch that they hear us coming long before they see us."
Saturday's activities include a 120-mile poker run through parts of Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau counties, as well as a motorcycle show on Front Street. The hallmark peninsula ride begins at 11 a.m. Sunday.
The Rev. Iakovos Olechnowicz, Father Fred's spiritual director, plans to ride.
The event is one of the largest annual fundraisers for Father Fred. Between $15,000 and $20,000 is raised each year, Jarboe said. He expects between 400 and 600 riders this weekend.
"It's more than just depending on the proceeds of a particular event," said Dave Abeel, the organization's development director. "It's using these events, or relying on these events, to get our name out there."
The nonprofit assists people in the five-county Grand Traverse region with food, cash assistance and clothing.
This summer, it is offering clients fresh food and protein as part of a "summer boost" initiative.
Father Fred has been packed with requests for assistance during the economic recession.
The agency tightened spending this year for financial aid, including utilities.
About $250,900 was given out year-to-date in 2009. This year, it's about $228,000.
Last year, "at the pace we were going those first four months, we would have been way over our budget around October," Operations Director Norm Bamberg said. "This year, as it goes by, those numbers will balance out."
Food assistance is flat or higher in all categories from year to year, partly the result of the summer program.
About 1,400 new families visited Father Fred to date in 2010, Bamberg said.
In 2009, the figure was about 1,500.
Fundraisers are a large part of the foundation's support, Abeel said.
Two golf tournaments will be held this summer, and another group is working to create a "virtual food drive" to generate cash for the pantry.
The HOG event combines a passion for motorcycles with a commitment to charity, Jarboe said.
"There's a real need in our community, particularly with the economic times as they are," he said. "Those of us that are able to contribute, even in a small way, I think get a lot of pleasure out of being able to do so."
Region
Related Photos
-
Paul Jarboe, of Traverse City, also a past director of Northern Chapter Harley Owners Group (HOG), poses on his motorcycle Wednesday outside of the Father Fred Foundation. Record-Eagle/Keith King
HOGs take annual ride to benefit Father Fred
-
-
Disabled man killed in blaze
Heavy smoke and flames rebuffed attempts by family, neighbors, police and fire officials to rescue a disabled man stranded in his Kalkaska Township home.
Continued ... -
Woman pleads guilty to animal cruelty
The frozen carcasses of two horses lay in Danelle Marie Round's pasture on the day she pleaded guilty to a single animal cruelty misdemeanor.
Continued ... -
Charged teacher waives exam, denied bond
A former Traverse City schoolteacher waived a preliminary examination and remains in jail on a charge of having sex with a student.
Continued ... -
BATA: 'Don't know how much money we will receive'
County transportation authorities are criticizing a federal bill they say could hurt state mass transit funding by putting it on year-to-year life cycle.
Continued ... -
Third Level offers suicide alertness workshop
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center will offer a one-day workshop for people who want to help those at risk of suicide.
Continued ... -
DNA ties Holly man to 2009 break-in
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for a Holly man whose DNA ties him to a 2009 Traverse City break-in.
Continued ... -
Man arraigned in late-night chase
A man shot by police Taser after a late-night chase was arraigned in 86th District Court.
Continued ... -
Trojan debate team receives $30,000 grant
A local foundation donated $30,000 to Traverse City Central High School's debate team.
Continued ... - Friday, February 10, 2012
-
One dead in Kalkaska blaze
Fire and police officials found a victim about 3:30 p.m. today inside a Kalkaska Township home engulfed by flames.
Continued ... -
Vasa brings skiers, business
Skiers aren't the only ones thrilled the annual Vasa race will proceed despite warm temperatures and little snow.
Continued ... -
Sparks fly over TCLP substation plan
Traverse City Light & Power wants a new southside substation to shore up its electric system, but Mayor Michael Estes fears the big site is a Trojan horse for a new power plant.
Continued ... -
Grand Traverse freezes pay for officials
Grand Traverse County plans to freeze elected officials' salaries and eliminate a car allowance in 2013 because of continued uncertainty over its revenue stream.
Continued ... -
Blair man accused of meat-fork threat
A Blair Township man was arrested for assault after police said he threatened his girlfriend with a meat-carving fork.
Continued ... -
Drop-off recycling site relocating
A drop-off recycling site on LaFranier Road is being relocated.
Continued ... - Thursday, February 9, 2012
-
Ex-TC teacher to waive exam in sex case
A Traverse City teacher accused of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student is expected to waive a preliminary examination in 86th District Court.
Continued ... -
A changing of the guard in GT County
The 2012 elections will bring a major change of the Grand Traverse County guard. The county's long-time clerk, treasurer and prosecutor won't seek re-election this year — three officials whose combined county experience spans more than 90 years.
Continued ... -
Janik tapped for Leelanau administrator
Chet Janik hopes to come home. The Leelanau County board offered its administrator job to Chet Janik, who came to Leelanau as a child when his parents emigrated from Poland.
Continued ... -
Dog park backers plan fundraisers
Dog park supporters raised more than a third of a $15,000 goal just a month into efforts to pay for Traverse City's first park for pets. Work continues to bring in the remaining money.
Continued ... -
Police: Man breaks up fight with gun
Police said a man on Traverse City's east side tried to stop a fight outside his home with a handgun.
Continued ... -
Tased man charged as habitual offender
A man stunned by police Taser in a home invasion incident was arraigned in 86th District Court.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
-
Body of missing fisherman found
Authorities say a dive team has recovered the body of a 33-year-old fisherman who fell through the ice of a pond near Mesick.
Continued ... -
Pears to replace dead ash trees
Downtown streets in the Cherry Capital soon will bloom with the color of another fruit.
Continued ... -
Vasa trail in good shape for weekend
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of significant snowfall, the 36th annual North American Vasa cross country ski race is on for this weekend.
Continued ... -
Acme officials defer Meijer decision
Acme Township officials deferred a decision on a long-proposed Meijer store along M-72 until a special meeting in two weeks.
Continued ... -
Parks smoking ban on hold in TC
City Commissioner Jim Carruthers wants more time to work on smoking rules at city parks.
Continued ...
-
