DOWAGIAC — A blur of chrome rode through Cass County Sunday afternoon, as men and women from all walks of life zoomed through Dowagiac, Marcellus and Edwardsburg on a pack of motorcycles. Though the riders were bundled in leather and helmets, those who participated in the ride said their hearts were exposed and open, as they were riding for a cause.

The Dowagiac Moose Riders hosted a charity ride Sunday that raised $7,000 for Cass County Cancer Services, an organization that provides services including gas money, rides to doctor’s appointments and other supports to those living with cancer in Cass County. The Modern Woodmen of America Insurance donated $2,500 to the total money raised. An auction, which took place after the ride, also contributed to the total.

“It was a beautiful ride, a beautiful trip, and we had a lot of supporters, which was great,” said Leonard Hartke, an organizer of the event and a member of the Dowagiac Moose Riders. “Every year, it is getting better.”

Sunday’s ride marked the third year the Moose have hosted a fundraiser ride for Cass County Cancer Services. This year, the group exceeded last year’s fundraising total by nearly $3,000, and exceeded the first year’s fundraising total by $5,000.

“[Cass County Cancer Services] is a great organization,” Hartke said. “They have helped a lot of people in this area, and all the help does go to people in Cass County.”

Some of those who participated in the ride Sunday have received assistance from Cass County Cancer Services in the past. Jim Sylvester, a cancer survivor and member of the Dowagiac Moose Riders, is one of those people.

When he was previously suffering from mouth cancer, Sylvester received liquid meals from Cass County Cancer Services, which he said was all he could eat at the time. Now, Sylvester said he is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped him.

“It was really satisfying [to participate in the ride],” Sylvester said. “It means a lot to help [Cass County Cancer Services], and the more we ride, the more money we raise for them.”

As for Cass County Cancer Services, its president, Maxine Ownby, said that she was very grateful to the Dowagiac Moose Riders for hosting the fundraising ride year after year.

“They clearly put a lot of work into this. If you just look around, you can see that,” she said. “One-hundred percent of the money raised will go to patients, so [the charity ride] will really help a lot of people.”

In the future, Hartke said hopes to keep the charity ride going, and for each year to be as or more successful than this year.

“Cancer can affect anyone. … It can affect you no matter your age or your stage in life or anything else,” he said. “We want to keep helping [Cass County Cancer Services], and keeping that money in Cass County.”