JUDA — As Mike Froseth of Monroe prepared to mount his Harley Ultra-Limited for the annual Juda Forefathers bike fundraiser Saturday, he lamented that it would also be his last chance to join.
Froseth said the annual fundraiser — including a popular motorcycle ride, poker run, breakfast and auctions of donated goods — helped fund his recent trip to Washington, DC as part of the Badger Honor Flights for veterans. And so, he wanted to give something back to the group that helped him experience the nation’s war monuments.
“It’s really too bad it’s the last one,” said Froseth, adding that the event is always a big deal in tight-knit Juda. “I’m grateful, though. I know they have helped a lot of people and organizations over the years.”
Indeed, the event was hatched about 20 years ago in 2007 to help the families of Roger Dunwiddie, Mike Dunwiddie, Robert Pehl and Jerry Sarabacker, who all passed away in the year prior, 2006. It’s had a number of tweaks and changes over the years, but the mission of helping others in the community remained — and there are dozens for whom the annual ride is a big part of their summer fun.
But with heavy hearts, organizers said it was time to end the tradition, at least for now.
Why?
“The honest answer is simple: We’re getting older, we’re getting tired, and each year it becomes harder to find the volunteer support needed to continue an event this size,” said a letter to participants and the community, published on social media. “While that reality is bittersweet, it doesn’t diminish what we’re accomplished together or the impact we’ve made along the way.”
In addition to the bike ride and poker run, the event featured auctions of merchandise, much of it with local themes like cheese baskets, baked products, spa-type services; and weekend getaways.
The event has raised as much as $20,000 in a single year. Throughout the years, the group has funded nearly a dozen charities, including:
● DARE programs and Shop with A Cop
● Green County Food Pantry donations of food and funds
● Family Promise of Green County helping homeless residents get back on their feet.
● Badger Honor Flight sponsorships for Green County Veterans to fly to Washington
● Lions Veteran’s dinner
● Coats/Boots/School supplies for local school children
● The Apostolate to the Handicapped
Organizers have promised that the charity they created will go on; and that there will be plenty of additional ways to help people in the future.
“You may still see donation drives throughout the year, and our Souper Party in February may continue as well,” said the farewell letter. “When those opportunities arise, we hope you will continue to stand with us and support the mission that has united us for so many years.”
