MONROE - Juda is set once again to raise their forefathers in the spirit of community support.
The Fifth Annual Juda Fore Father's Memorial Ride is Saturday, July 30, with the ride leaving the Last Chance Saloon at noon sharp - no kidding. In the past four years, the event has raised about $30,000, according to Aaron Steinman, a member of the event's coordinating group.
"We have had overwhelming support from businesses through out the county," Steinman said.
The proceeds from the event have been donated to numerous local organizations and charitable projects. Among those are the Apostolate to the Handicapped; Green County Big Brothers Big Sisters; Toys for Tots; Shop with a Cop; veteran organizations; and food pantries.
But something special also comes from the proceeds - a $100 scholarship for each graduating senior from Juda High School. The scholarships are a reminder of the purpose of the first memorial ride - the Four Fathers ride, created as a benefit for seven local school children whose fathers, Mike Dunwiddie, Jerry Sarabacker, and Robert Pehl, and grandfather Roger Dunwiddie, died about the same time.
The first benefit raised $1,500 for each child.
With the success of the first event, the community decided to rename the ride to "Fore Fathers" to bring communities together in memory of all their ancestors, said Steinman.
The coordinating group has become a non-profit corporation with about 25 members.
The ride has become a notable item on websites and in on-line forum boards, especially among motorcycle riders.
"Had a great ride out of Juda, Wi. yesterday at the Fore-fathers ride. Raised a bunch of money and had a great time doing it! Close to 300 riders and most damn good ones at that..." wrote one forum user July 26, 2009, on the outdoor sports website, Lake-Link.com.
The Fifth Annual Juda Fore Father's Memorial Ride is Saturday, July 30, with the ride leaving the Last Chance Saloon at noon sharp - no kidding. In the past four years, the event has raised about $30,000, according to Aaron Steinman, a member of the event's coordinating group.
"We have had overwhelming support from businesses through out the county," Steinman said.
The proceeds from the event have been donated to numerous local organizations and charitable projects. Among those are the Apostolate to the Handicapped; Green County Big Brothers Big Sisters; Toys for Tots; Shop with a Cop; veteran organizations; and food pantries.
But something special also comes from the proceeds - a $100 scholarship for each graduating senior from Juda High School. The scholarships are a reminder of the purpose of the first memorial ride - the Four Fathers ride, created as a benefit for seven local school children whose fathers, Mike Dunwiddie, Jerry Sarabacker, and Robert Pehl, and grandfather Roger Dunwiddie, died about the same time.
The first benefit raised $1,500 for each child.
With the success of the first event, the community decided to rename the ride to "Fore Fathers" to bring communities together in memory of all their ancestors, said Steinman.
The coordinating group has become a non-profit corporation with about 25 members.
The ride has become a notable item on websites and in on-line forum boards, especially among motorcycle riders.
"Had a great ride out of Juda, Wi. yesterday at the Fore-fathers ride. Raised a bunch of money and had a great time doing it! Close to 300 riders and most damn good ones at that..." wrote one forum user July 26, 2009, on the outdoor sports website, Lake-Link.com.