Chris Patterson memorial ride raises thousands for local organizations
On Aug. 5, the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation held an inaugural ride, with all proceeds going to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the performing arts at Immanuel Lutheran School in Batavia.
Specialist Christopher Patterson, a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School, gave his life in service to the nation while serving with the Indiana National Guard in Afghanistan on Jan. 6, 2012.
The foundation, started by the Patterson family, supports the performing arts and local veterans programs as his legacy.
Event proceeds came from biker and passenger entry fees, raffles and the post-ride lunch. The foundation is giving $2,000 to Immanuel's performing arts program and $2,000 to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
Police escorted the first memorial ride by motorcyclists and other vehicles, 50 miles from Batavia to Aurora and back to Batavia. It started along Route 31 to Mooseheart Road to Randall Road, then to his hometown, North Aurora, before heading to West Aurora High School along South Commonwealth Avenue. The West Aurora High School Blackhawk Marching Band played "Roll On" as the ride passed. The ride returned to Batavia, passing by Immanuel Lutheran Church on Hart Road and River Hills Cemetery, before returning to the Batavia Overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197 with a post-ride lunch.
To see photos of the event, visit www.facebook.com/ChrisPFoundation/.
To make a donation, visit chrispattersonmemorial.org. Next year's ride will be Aug. 11.