DOWAGIAC — Later this month, motorcyclists from across Cass County will have a chance to kick up their stands, rev their engines and cruise down county roads in support of a local cause.

The Dowagiac Moose Riders will host its fourth annual Cass County Service Ride on Sunday, June 23. A breakfast will be hosted at 9 a.m. at the Moose Lodge, 54865 M-51 N., Dowagiac. Registration will follow the breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon, when kickstands will go up, and motorcyclists will begin on a journey through scenic Cass County. The ride, which is 78 miles long, will make stops in Marcellus and Edwardsburg before ending back at the Dowagiac Moose Lodge, where a light dinner will be served, and a fundraiser auction will be hosted.

Cost is $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. Though the event is meant for motorcyclists, organizers said that cars and trucks are welcome to take part in the ride, as well.

All proceeds from the event will to Cass County Cancer Service, a volunteer-run organization that provides support for those undergoing cancer treatment. That support comes in many forms from helping patients pay for gas to get them to and from treatments to rides to doctor’s appointments and more.

“This is community service,” said Moose Riders treasurer Leonard Hartke. “We love to give back, and this is one of the projects that we do.”

Last year’s ride raised $7,000 for Cass County Cancer Service, with the help of a matching grant from Modern Woodmen of America. Though Hartke said it is too early to know how much will be raised at this year’s event, he is hoping for a turnout as big or bigger than last year.

“The more people that ride, the more help we can give to [Cass County Cancer Service],” Hartke, who has ridden each year in the charity event, said. “We chose Cass County Cancer Service because everyone at one time or another has been touched by cancer. The people who have it are in dire need of help. We knew that [Cass County Cancer Service] would help the most people and that the money would stay here in Cass County.”

Moose Riders Administrator Robert Staley said he is excited for the Cass County Cancer Service Ride, adding that it is just one of the many charitable events that the riders host each year. Recent projects include donating funds to Boy Scout projects, donating to area robotics teams and hosting highway cleanups.

“We are a family-oriented fraternal organization, so we try to give back as much as we can,” Staley said. “That is a requirement of all of the individual lodges. … We enjoy giving back to the community.”

Both Hartke and Staley said they would encourage any rider to take part in the June 23 event, believing that all proceeds will be going to a worthy cause.

“Everyone is welcome,” Hartke said. “Hopefully anyone that sees our flyers will ride.”