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A Michigan motorcycle fundraiser at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie finished the weekend with a record total. Riders traveled more than 400 miles across the state.
A report said the 3rd Annual American Legion Riders Hell to Paradise PTSD Awareness Ride raised over $44,000 for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD. The total supassed last year’s $30,000.
Ride Route and Tributes
This year’s ride drew 316 bikes and more than 500 riders. Organizers started in Stockbridge. The route continued through Hell, overnighted in Gaylord, crossed the Mackinac Bridge, stopped in Paradise, and finished in Sault Ste. Marie. Several communities along the route provided police escorts.
Proceeds are set to be split between Talons Out Honor Flight and The Heroes Operation.
Organizer Scott Igo said the ride included several emotional tributes connected to PTSD. Some portions honored people who died by suicide or lost their battle with PTSD. One leg escorted a Vietnam veteran’s ashes from Paradise to Sault Ste. Marie.
The annual parade was also dedicated to London Izabella-Ryén Gadd. Organizers renamed it London’s Tribute Parade.
Kewadin Casino’s Role as Closing Venue
Kewadin Casino served as the host venue for the closing banquet and festivities in Sault Ste. Marie. During that banquet, attendees donated more than $5,000. The donations prompted Igo to have his teal mohawk shaved off on stage.
The story reflects a tribal casino property’s role in a large community fundraiser with statewide participation.
Source: As reported by Michigan News Source.
