To the Editor:

On Saturday, July 25th 150 motorcycle enthusiasts lined up to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Motorcycle Run to benefit Hospice. Organized again by Roger and Linda Willmart and their family and friends, this year’s event was another great success. With help from many individuals and businesses, the ride raised $5,034. Proceeds will assist Hospice staff in providing end of life care for patients in St. Lawrence County and their families. The Willmart’s event has raised more than $75,000 to support Hospice over the last sixteen years.

Before kickstands went up, a memorial tribute for longtime volunteer cooks, Neil Willmart and Mark Collins was held. For 14 years, they provided participants with the famous roast beef and turkey dinner following the Run. Those attending the event never left hungry or disappointed. They spent many years behind a hot cooker while everyone enjoyed a nice ride. They never complained, the many compliments on the food was enough to keep them coming back each year. They will forever be remembered when the line for dinner forms and we hope they will always be with us to ensure a fun, safe ride and to help with sunny weather.

The Norwood American Legion once again hosted the start of the run and the dinner afterward. Commander Elaine Saarinen organized an excellent crew of servers and kitchen help. The Legion also provided donations of salads, coffee, silverware and other necessities which helped everyone enjoy a great meal. The Legion welcomed the bikers and did many things before, during and after the Run to ensure everyone enjoyed a great day.

Participants enjoyed a ride of approximately 120 miles and were warmly welcomed at stops including; the Heuvelton AMVETS, J.C. River Run and the Pit Stop before returning to the American Legion. Kevin Willmart led the group of 150 Riders and passengers to each stop and got everyone back safely. Many groups participated to keep safety the primary concern of the Run. They include: Massena Police Department, the Steel Riders, the Shamans Motorcycle Club whose members are EMT’s and Jennifer Collins.

With just one week notice, Billy Fobare and his wife Julie stepped in to fill the void left by Neil and Mark. With the help of Tony Chase, they prepared the post Run meal for 300 people. They did a fabulous job and, as always, no one left hungry. Potsdam IGA donated 18 bags of salt potatoes and helped keep the cost of the meal the same with great prices on meat.

In addition to running registration and t- shirt sales, Eugene and Neika Mayo assumed additional roles this year. Eugene assisted in planning the run and offered many helpful suggestions for keeping riders safe. Neika spent many hours organizing raffle items and doing other preparations to make sure everything ran smoothly. The poker run was handled again this year by Dennis and Pricilla Tebo. Additional help was provided by Chelsea Mayo, Tanya and Brandi Delosh, Julie “Bubbles” Perrilli, Jackie and Hunter Willmart, Beth Sevey, Roy and Pat Mayo and Jennifer and Mattie Collins. Frank and Julie Colbert provided refreshments for volunteers along the run. A very special thank you goes to Linda Willmart for all of the effort she puts into the event each and every year.

This year’s raffle was a big success with prizes donated by businesses throughout the community. Hospice’s sincere thanks go to the following for their raffle gifts:

A. Cappione; Al Smith’s Pizzeria; Alchemistress Body Art Emporium; B and M Performance Cycles; Bailey’s Florist; Baker Power Sports; Beasley’s Liquor and Wine; Bob and Dan Agen; Lloyd and Cathy Besaw; Best Western University Inn; Blevins Motors- Potsdam; Boutique Florist; Bowlmore Lanes; Canton Tire; Caring Touch Massage; Cheryl’s Place; Cindy’s Cake Shop; Custom Garage; Copperhead Cycle; Dunkin Donuts; Evan’s and White Ace Hardware; Exotic Expose; Foster’s Truck and Equipment Repair; Patrick and Sharleen Jay; Fun Unlimited; Keith Gonyea; Half Ton’s Bar & Grill; J.C. River Run; Jreck Subs-Potsdam; Kinney Drugs- Market Street; Kunoco Stores; LeBerge and Curtis; the Lounge; Mahoney Auto Mall; Martin’s Service Station; Eugene and Neika Mayo; Mid State Golf Cart; Misty Hollow; Monroe Muffler; Moody River Cycles; Mort Backus and Sons; Moser’s Custom Trim; Partridge Run Golf Club; Patches by Bill; Pepsi Cola Bottlers; Perry’s Big M; Pike’s Garage; Pizza Hut-Potsdam; Porky and Linda Willmart; Potsdam Agway; Potsdam IGA; Rosie’s Hawg Dogs; Route 68 Sales and Service; Seaway Tire and Auto Services; Skip’s Auto Repair; Snell Equipment; Sovie’s Cycle Shop; Sparky’s; Special Tee Printing; St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety; Cindy Sullivan; Tattoos on You; Bill Taylor; The Last Lap; Verville’s Flower Shop; Village Florist; Waldroff Farm Equipment; Walmart- Potsdam; White’s Flowers, Inc; Pete and Jean Whalen; Woodchop Shop; Ye Olde Liquors.

We thank the following individuals and organizations who made cash donations to Hospice: Jeff Bassett; Mark and Elizabeth Bellardini; the Dorlinda Fund at Kosman Auctions; Joyce and Harry Cummings; CJ’s Enterprises; Joyce Coller; Dale Willmart; Diamond Propane; Edge of Town Auto Sales; J.E. Sheehan Construction; Pat and Rose Lawrence; Pauline Murphey; Brian Orologio; Sharon and James Palmer; Pit Stop; Potsdam Specialty Paper; Morris Reed; Renier Scheening; Tim Scott; Snell All- Season Contracting; Structural Wood Corp; Lloyd and Joanna Russell; Peter and Karen Terriah; Cindy Sullivan; Randy and Chris Willmart and The Coach Inn.

Hospice extends its deepest thanks and gratitude to Roger and Linda Willmart for once again organizing the Motorcycle Run. Each year, they travel countless miles to gather donations and spend hours upon hours in preparation of the event. It is a pleasure to see the many familiar faces of volunteers, motorcycle riders and passengers each year. The effort of the Willmarts and the generosity of those who attend has significantly impacted the lives of many patients and their families when they need it most.

Brian Gardam

Executive Director, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley