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Motorcycle run raises over $5,000 for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley

Posted 8/19/14

To the Editor: On Saturday, July 26, 157 motorcycle enthusiasts lined up to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Motorcycle Run to benefit Hospice. Organized again by Roger and Linda Willmart and …

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Motorcycle run raises over $5,000 for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley

Posted

To the Editor:

On Saturday, July 26, 157 motorcycle enthusiasts lined up to celebrate the 15th 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 $5,029. Proceeds will help Hospice staff provide end of life care for patients in St. Lawrence County and their families. The Willmart’s event has raised nearly $70,000 for Hospice over the last fifteen years.

We thank the members of the Norwood American Legion for hosting the start of the run and the dinner afterward. Their donations of salads, coffee, silverware and other necessities helped everyone enjoy a great meal. Elaine organized an excellent crew of servers and kitchen help. The Legion welcomed the bikers and ensured a fantastic start and finish to the day.

Participants enjoyed a ride of approximately 100 miles that stopped at the Skunks Nest, the Madrid Hotel and J.C. River Run before returning to the American Legion. Thanks to the many groups who helped keep safety the primary concern of the run. They include: Massena based State Police, Canton Police Department, SUNY Canton University Police and the Shamans Motorcycle Club whose members are EMT’s.

We appreciate Neil Sr. and Linda, Neil Jr. and Sam Willmart and Mark Collins for cooking, food prep and donating their time and cooker. Kevin and Jackie Willmart did a great job registering riders. Eugene and Nika Mayo assisted with ticket and t- shirt sales. The poker run was handled by Dennis and Pricilla Tebo, Brian Willmart and Aundrea Bronson. The raffles were organized by Tom Fenner, Beth Sevey and Dan Willmart. Ed LaFay once again helped with transportation, donation pick up and advertising. Thanks to the cleanup crew as well; Norwood American Legion staff, Neil, Sam, Kevin, Brian, and Dan Willmart. 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; Alcoa Massena Operations; B and M Performance Cycles; Bailey’s Florist; Baker Power Sports; Barstow Motors, Inc.; Beasley’s Liquor and Wine; Bob and Dan Agen; Lloyd and Cathy Besaw; Boutique Florist; Bowlmore Lanes; Canton Tire; Caring Touch Massage; Cedar Lodge; Cheryl’s Place; Cindy’s Cake Shop; Commercial Press; Custom Garage; Copperhead Cycle; Diamond Propane; Dress Code; Dunkin Donuts; Evans and White Ace Hardware; Exotic Expose; Fun Unlimited; Hometown Café; Stacey and Bill Howlett; Jack and Donna Fuller; JC’s River Run Bar and Grill; Jreck Subs-Potsdam; Kunoco Stores; Kevin and Jackie Willmart; LeBerge and Curtis; Mahoney Auto Mall; Marge and Ed LaFay; Bob and Donna McGill; Matt Francis Performance; Martin’s Service Station; Mid State Golf Cart; Misty Hollow; Monroe Muffler; Moody River Cycles; Mort Backus and Sons; Moser Custom Trim; Motor Sports World; Karen O’Brien; Olde Tyme Tattoo; Pepsi Cola Bottlers; Perry’s Big M; Pike’s Garage; Jerry and Karen Pieprzyk; Pizza Hut-Potsdam; Porky and Linda Willmart; Potsdam Agway; Potsdam IGA; Potsdam Price Chopper; Route 11 Sales; Route 68 Sales and Service; Seaway Tire and Auto Services; Skip’s Auto Repair; Smallings Motel South; Snell Equipment; Sovie’s Cycle Shop; Sparky’s; Special Tee Printing; St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety; Cindy Sullivan; Tattoos on You; Bill Taylor; Verville’s Flower Shop; Village Florist; White’s Flowers, Inc; Walmart Supercenter-Potsdam; Pete and Jean Whalen; Woodchop Shop; Ye Olde Liquors.

We thank the following individuals and organizations who made cash donations to Hospice: Carol Bullard; CJ’s Enterprises; Dale Willmart; Diamond Propane; Edge of Town Auto Sales; Foster’s Truck and Equipment Repair; Ted and Lori Hudson; Jim Sheehan; Joyce Coller; Marge and Ed LaFay; Moose Lodge 2397; Pit Stop; Potsdam Specialty Papers; Structural Wood Corp; Marion Russell; Lloyd and Joanne Russell; Mark and Beth Bellardini; The Coach Inn; Diana Jenkins; the Skunks Nest; Dave and Laurie Bissnett; Dean and Janet Hitchman; Pat and Rose Lawrence; Jon and Rachel Bergeron and Pete and Karen Terriah.

Hospice extends its deepest thanks and gratitude to Roger and Linda Willmart for the time, effort and energy they put into organizing the Motorcycle Run each year. We thank the many motorcycle riders and passengers who support the event.

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

Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley