Ride for Hope to host second annual Bike Blessing and Kickoff Party May 4
All motorcycle bikers and enthusiasts are invited to the second annual Ride for Hope bike blessing and kickoff party at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4.
Bikes will line up in a cancer ribbon formation for a group aerial photo before the blessing at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
After the photo and blessing, everyone is invited to the ninth annual Ride for Hope Kickoff Party in the picnic grove featuring music from Live Pete and DJWRCKS.IT, and fare from local food trucks including burgers, Chico’s tacos, Sayulita’s street corn, Italian street food, and beverages from Beerhead Bar & Eatery.
There is no cost for the bike blessing. Fifteen percent of food and beverage sales go to Ride for Hope Ovarian Cancer Awareness charity ride and celebration.
Ride for Hope is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, conceived and organized by JuliAnne Scully, a 40-year ovarian cancer survivor and owner of JuliAnne’s Hair inside Dazzles Salon & Spa in Roselle.
“Our mission is to spread awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to help improve the quality of life for women battling this silent disease, and to provide financial assistance to help those with financial hardships,” Scully said. “I believe there is no better way to start the riding season and get ready for our event than with a blessing.”
Bike blessings take place nationwide and are an opportunity to gather local riders together to have their motorcycles blessed in the hope that they will be safe in the coming season. Organizers say the event unites riders of all faiths and brands of motorcycles.
“The return of warm weather means the thrilling sound of motorcycles on our roads,” said St. Peter Lutheran Pastor Jerry Hays, a fellow motorcycle enthusiast who will offer the blessing. “Prayer is powerful, so we bless the riders in an act of faith, love, and awareness. All we ask is that everyone brings a nonperishable food item for our food pantry.”
The Ride for Hope Kickoff Party will feature yard games and raffle items, as well as the Teal Marketplace, the Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the Law Tigers, a bake sale, vendors and an opportunity to purchase tickets for the Teal Chopper gift card raffle worth $1,500. The Ride for Hope doodle dogs, Fiona and Harley, also will be on site.
Ride for Hope raises funds to help local women who have financial hardships from ongoing medical treatment for their ovarian cancer and support the Midwest programs of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. In 2015, its inaugural year, Ride for Hope raised $25,600. Since then, Ride for Hope has raised more than $300,000.
“What started as a way to help the NOCC create awareness for the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer has grown into a community event — with riders from many clubs and groups from all over the area — to raise money for local women in their fight for survival and share awareness of this deadly disease,” Scully said.
One in 78 women is diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die from the disease annually. Illinois ranks No. 5 in the nation for the most ovarian cancer deaths.
“Our goal in fundraising is to ease the financial burdens of our recipients, celebrate our survivor’s anniversaries, honor those who have gone before us, and help more women ‘Take Early Action and Live’,” Scully said. “Come as you are, leave blessed.”
To register for the July 14 ride and after-party visit the Ride for Hope page on Eventbrite, or register at the May 4 Bike Blessing and save the fees.
To join the 2024 Ride for Hope TEAL family of volunteers, learn about upcoming fundraising events, donate, or read important information about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, visit rideforhopeil.org.