By Janet Stoica

They’re hoping for a beautiful day on Saturday, May 6, when the American Legion Riders from Oxford’s Post 58 along with other motorcyclists from the area take to the road for their 120-mile roundtrip to The Berkshires and back to benefit the Webster-Dudley Boys and Girls Club.

It’s all to benefit one of the most worthy causes in the area--funding for the after-school programs at the club located at 55 Oxford Avenue in Dudley.

“Christopher Battista of Oxford, a retired Air Force veteran, was grateful for those club programs as a youth and the purpose of this ride means a lot to him. He’s looking forward to seeing and meeting many of the participants,” said Aaron Peek, of Peek’s Auto Detailing of Dudley, one of the event’s organizers. 

“The riders’ contributions will greatly benefit our after-school youth programs,” said John Lefebvre, member of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. “This will be our first year and we hope to make it an annual event. We used to have a motorcycle run for fundraising but it ended about ten years ago and we’re glad to see it back as a wonderful event to benefit our kids. Aaron Peek saw a need and wanted to help fund our efforts. The benefits to our local youth are immeasurable. Such a great cause.”  

Tyler Bailey, Club Unit Director, said “this is a great opportunity for community involvement. The funds raised will not only help with our eight-week summer programs but also assist with our ongoing after-school programs like athletics, STEM (STEAM), arts, and all recreational programs that provide for our kids. We never turn members away because of the $50 annual fee. We currently have eighty-five members and average sixty members daily. Most youngsters are from the Webster/Dudley area but we also have members from Connecticut and Worcester. All youth are welcome here.”

“American Legion Riders from Oxford Post 58 make it a point to ride for their communities. We all scramble to raise money for worthy causes whether it’s to help those who need funds for their heating and utility bills or similar funding projects, we want to make a difference,” said Mr. Peek.

The May 6th ride begins at the Boys and Girls Club on Oxford Avenue, Dudley, where registration starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be fresh coffee and donuts kindly donated by Dippin Donuts of 32 West Main Street, Dudley. Kickstands go up at 11 a.m. sharp for the 60-mile Berkshire ride to Griffin’s Restaurant for a quick lunch and then return ride back to the Oxford American Legion Post 58, 227 Main Street, Oxford. The 2:30 expected arrival time and the festivities awaiting the riders will prove to be truly worth it!  Live music by East Coast band Crossfire playing classic rock; food provided by Mack’s Catering of Quinebaug CT; bounce house and games for the kids; many vendors; and a great variety of raffles including 50/50. Registration is $20/bike plus $10/passenger and includes music and entertainment. Two, three, and four-wheelers welcome. All riders from solo to groups are welcome. It’s sure to be a great day for riders and, most importantly, for the youth of The Boys and Girls Club.

Contact Aaron Peek for more details at: (903) 900-0813. 

“It’s easy to make a buck, it’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” Tom Brokaw