The Valparaiso Firefighters Local #1124 hosted the 4th Annual Benefit Run; beginning and ending at Valparaiso's Harley-Davidson on US Hwy 30.
First bikes out left Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso at 10:00am in route to the seven stops-- Maxim, Thomas Honda, The Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City, Black Hawk in Westville, Kerstings Harley-Davidson, and then back to Valpo Harley-Davidson for the after party. With the help of donations, volunteers, and the Valparaiso Firefighters, there were raffles/prizes, a beer garden, and live entertainment by the South Shore Regulators.
Proceeds of the ride were donated to the Hoosier Burn Camp. The Hoosier Burn Camp is a no-cost summer camp for young men and women who have experienced injuries from burns. It is made possible by the contributions and volunteers who work as camp counselors, medical staff, and operations staff.
Valparaiso Firefighter and Steindler Signs & Graphix owner, Tom Steindler has coordinated the event for the past 4 years and had great outcomes. Steindler explained, “The money we raise from the raffles goes to our own Firefighter/Paramedic Wayne Swart, who was injured in an accident in March of 2013.”
Raffles consisted of two Birky Family Farm pork freezer packages, processed by Butcher Block, a Steindler Signs & Graphix custom-designed corn hole set, and 2-day bike rental in Orlando, Florida.
Participating riders from all over Northwest Indiana came together to support the causes. Father and daughter, Keith and Libbie Gilliland came out to support the Valparaiso Firefighters. Keith's daughter, Libbie was a Make A Wish child before she beat a brain tumor she had as child. Libbie said, “We are here for the riding and support of the Firefighters, because they were supporting us during our Make A Wish fundraiser, so we like to pay the efforts back to them and their causes.”
Special thanks to everyone who contributed and sponsored the event; Blackhawk Inn, John Cicco's Menswear, Kersting's Harley-Davidson, Maxim Power Sports, Michigan City Harley-Davidson, Schepel Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Steindler Signs & Graphix, Thomas Honda & Kawasaki, Geisler Electric, Inc., and Valparaiso Harley-Davidson.
If you would like to help donate to Indiana Hoosier Burn Camp, you can visit their website for more information.