Members of the Land O’Lakes chapter of the Widows’ Sons Masonic Riding Association have put together an event that is looking to raise funds in support of prostate and bladder cancer treatment in the Quinte region.
The event called Blessing of the Bikes is set to take place on June 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Iron Rooster Restaurant and Grill in Marmora.
Funds raised will be directed through the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation to the QHC Cystoscopy program within the urology department at the Trenton Memorial Hospital.
Gary Crane with the association says the cause is something close to the group.
“We’ve had a couple of members within our chapter over the past couple of years who have passed away from prostate cancer, and as time goes on, it seems that we’re hearing it more and more,” Crane tells Quinte News.
“We just thought it would be a good thing to do to try to help within our community and that’s why we’ve chosen that charity to support.”
Riders and non-riders are invited to join a short service and the blessing of the bikes where a reverend blesses the motorcycles in the hope it will bring safety for the upcoming riding season.
Following the blessing, there will be a 50/50 draw, raffles, and games of chance to provide opportunities to count your blessings.
“We’ve got a number of prizes that have been donated,” Crane says.
“We’ll have raffles for things such as wine and food pairings. I think it’s valued at $1100. There’s motorcycle jackets, different things that have been provided by different companies within the area that are supporting our event and we greatly appreciate it.”
The Iron Rooster will also be providing a limited food menu where portions of the proceeds will also be donated.
Crane says this is the fourth time the group has done this event but the first time they are opening it up to the public in the hopes of growing the event.
“In the past, we’ve had 60 to 70 riders show up at the event,” Crane tells Quinte News.
“This year, being the first time we’ve opened it up to the public and with the assistance of groups and companies helping us get the word out there, we’re hoping to see in excess of 100 and we’re certainly hoping that this is the first step in making it a bigger event.”
More information about the Blessing of the Bikes event can be found at Hastings County’s website.
