Glendale Heights ride for veterans planned

While many are snoozing Sunday morning, dozens of veterans will wake up bright and early for an annual motorcycle run in Glendale Heights.

The 12th annual Motorcycle Ride for Veterans, hosted by Glendale Heights VFW Post 2377 Ladies Auxiliary, will kick off at 9 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts at the post, 142 E. Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights.

The motorcycle run, which will consist of many Rolling Thunder members, will officially begin at 10 a.m.

"It's an annual event," Ladies Auxiliary Chairwoman Mary Ann Oko said. "And it's to give recognition to our veterans programs at our post."

The ride is expected to take about an hour. Live entertainment, lunch and raffles are planned for 1 to 4 p.m.

Organizers are expecting more than 100 riders.

"It's supposed to be a beautiful Sunday, so we should have a good crowd," Oko said.

Admission is $10 for riders and $5 for people riding along or watching.

The money collected will aid the post's programs.

"We just appreciate any money we can get to help the different causes of the veterans," Oko said.

Charles and Company is the lineup for live entertainment.

"It's exciting to see the ladies auxiliary and men's auxiliary get together and support our veterans," Oko said. "We do a lot for our veterans and anyone in our community who needs our help."