This year’s ride had close to 1,000 riders in attendance. So what was all the hoopla about? Glad you asked…
For the past five years, Lorri Bernson (a guide dog user herself) has hosted “Ride For Guides,” a motorcycle run she developed to help raise money for Guide Dogs of America (GDA). And judging by the healthy turnout, I would say this event has been one many motor cycle enthusiasts have added to their calendars each year!
You see, at Guide Dogs of America, they breed, raise, train and provide dogs at no charge to blind and visually impaired recipients across the U.S. Without any government funding, GDA solely depends on corporate and private donations, as well as fundraisers like this one, to help make their financial goals.
Did you know it costs nearly $40,000 per guide dog team (guide dog and person)? So the need for donations is always a continuing effort.
Sunday’s event started in Sylmar, CA at GDA (13445 Glenoaks Blvd.) and after a 100-mile poker run, ended back at GDA. The three stops included Wendy’s restaurant near Castaic Lake, then north up Lake Hughes Road to The Rock Inn, then back down to Bouquet 
Canyon Road with a short stop at Big Oaks Lodge (a favorite stop for all of us weekend warriors), then back on the road to our final destination, GDA. This ended our ride with a puppy-filled afternoon complete with raffles, BBQ lunch, and a tour of GDA for those up for it!
Among the countless baskets filled with donated merchandise were iPods, gift certificates, games, coffee machines, a Foreman Grill master, cookware, paintings, games, T-shirts, gas cards, movie cards and plenty of dog goodies were included - and all were given away in the event’s raffles.
Have you ever thought of the independence, companionship, and self-confidence that 1 dog can give a blind person? Truly the BEST gift you could give anyone is sight, and GDA makes that possible. YOU make that possible with any and all donations.
Guide Dogs of America has touched my heart forever! On behalf of GDA and Lorri Benson, I want to thank each and every person who donated their time, and all the riders who rode 100 miles in the sweltering hot sun last Sunday. You didn’t let record-breaking temperatures stop you, and because of your unselfish act, YOU helped make a difference in a blind person’s life. God bless you!
The Golden State Glendale H.O.G. Chapter has their 6th annual Fall Poker Run coming up on Sunday, Sept. 28th. This ride also benefits Guide Dogs of America. Open to all motorcycles, it starts and ends at Harley Davidson/Glendale (home of the Love Run), 3717 San Fernando Road, Glendale. On-site registration is from 8 am -10 pm for $25.00 per person.
High Hand and Low Hand wins. Entry Fee includes: Scenic Poker Run, BBQ Lunch, Live Rock ‘N’ Roll, and games. Forms are available in advance at www.goldenstatehog.com. Pre-registration is only $20.00 and ends Sept 12th. Sign up today and make a difference!
There is still a chance to WIN a brand new custom Donnie Smith Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide! Details: Stretched gas tank, stretched front and rear fender with molded-in license plate holder, stretched saddle bags, custom seat, custom paint by Paint Works, graphics by Krazy Kolors, 180 rear tire, 18" custom wheels, Freedom Performance exhaust, IAM Derby cover and GDA timing cover by Chesapeake Performance Inc. The Bike Raffle will be held November 22, 2008. Winner need not be present. Winner will be responsible for all transportation, tax and title costs, and must be over 18 years of age. To Purchase Raffle Tickets Call (818) 833-6421. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Proceeds from this raffle will go to Guide Dogs of America.
For more information on Guide Dogs of America, contact Lorri Bernson at (818)833-6431 and visit www.guidedogsofamerica.org. Mark your calendar now for next year’s run on Sunday, May 17th.
