By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – There will be a roar of engines to benefit special needs children today. That is when motorcyclists from around the area will gather for the Deuces Wild Ride – a fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics in Berrien, Van Buren and Cass counties.
The ride, which will start and end at the American Legion in Niles, is "to support a good cause," said run coordinator Rodney Burandt.
The event is one that has been put together by members of the 'Community Involvement Association', said Shelley Butrick – who is also helping with organizing the event. "We're just a group of people," Butrick said – volunteers getting together to raise money for children with special needs.
The cost to take part in the ride is $25 for single riders and $40 for couples. The proceeds will go to the Area 17 Special Olympics – which covers the three counties – and the fee covers food, beverages, an event pin, and admittance for entertainment taking place after the ride.
Butrick said those funds, along with monies raised though other various events like bowling and golf outings, etc. ultimately go to help special needs children with a variety of things like softball uniforms, trips and summer camp. Events like these, Butrick explained, once helped send some athletes on a special trip to Alaska.
This is only the second time the association has put together this kind of ride. "It's just something new for us to raise some money," Butrick said. Participants who sign up will take part in a 'Texas Hold 'Em' style ride, running up through Three Oaks to Berrien Springs and back. Last year, both Butrick and Burandt said the event brought in about 50 bikes. And this year, "I would figure 100 or more" will participate, Burandt said.
"It's to support a good cause," he said. "It's a good time with fellow friends on bikes … You know, these kids with special needs, they don't have the resources…" to fund their own trips or even get to camp. The Deuces Wild Ride and fundraisers like it, help make that possible. And those who take part know that their money will go to those who need it. "You can donate to a lot of things," said Butrick. "But you never know where (the money) is going to. But this is going to the kids. And it's local. Everything stays here in the community." Burandt estimated around $2,000 raised in last year's ride alone.
Sign-up begins at the American Legion at 10 a.m. After the ride, which is being sponsored by Miller Light and Hamilton Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, participants can enjoy food and beverages at the American Legion in Niles as well as a special performance by 'The Out of Towners'.
Those not participating in the ride can still help support the cause by stopping at the American Legion at 1707 Miller Dr. for the performance, food and drinks after 4 p.m. for a cost of $15.