Kickstands up for Christopher Patterson Memorial Bike Ride Aug. 1 in Batavia

Join the fourth annual Spc Christopher Patterson Memorial Bike Ride on Saturday, Aug. 1, starting at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School, 950 Hart Road 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 Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation was founded by the Patterson family. Chris had a great love of the performing arts as an actor, a singer and a musician performing with various groups.

The ride is to raise awareness for the foundation and support the ideals of Christopher, “For God, For Country, For Music”.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., with kick-stands up at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets are $30 per rider and $30 per passenger. Cars are welcome.

Registration includes a commemorative rocker, and lunch provided by VeteransQ. Veterans Barbecue & Catering

Purchase your tickets at chrispattersonmemorial.org/events/2020_ride/.

In May, the foundation awarded its first Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award to Geneva High School student Annika Chrusciel.

Self-described as being shy and reserved, Annika has seen how participating in the theater has helped her grow as a performer, as a person, and in the academic classroom. The skills she honed on-stage have allowed her to become more confident and bold in her classroom participation and develop collaboration skills that will continue to serve her as she begins her journey after high school.

"The theater never fails to be an affirmative environment where authenticity, creativity, and beauty flourishes. Participating in theater as part of the performing arts has... taught me the value of working collaboratively, ultimately allowing me to become more understanding as both a performer on stage and a young woman offstage," Annika said.