PEORIA, Ill. – 153 bikers are geared up to ride for the kids at St. Jude.
This is Dave Gauf’s third year, making the 468 mile trek to Memphis.
“We’re going to ride down to Memphis, Tennessee, to present our earnings for the whole fundraising year, and present it to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate,” Gauf says.
Gauf says this year’s total amount raised for St. Jude Children’s Hospital is expected to top $1 million, after raising roughly $917,000 in 2022. Each rider is responsible for raising at least $1,000.
This year’s ride has extra meaning for many riders, whose motorcycles will display a sticker honoring Tessa Sutton…the Dunlap teen who died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.
“When we left last year, out of Walters Brothers, she came up to every rider and hugged us each…which meant a lot. Personally this year, I’m riding for Tessa, since I know the family…so, it’s dear to our hearts,” Gauf says.
Peoria area riders will leave Walters Brothers Harley Davidson at 7 a.m. Thursday. The community is welcome to join the riders in a send off that begins at 6:30.
Local riders will make their first pit stop in Dyersburg, Tennessee Thursday night, then meet up with satellite riders from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, arriving together at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis on Friday morning.
To give to St. Jude Rides, or learn more, click HERE.
(1470 & 100.3 WMBD-Photo courtesy of Dave Gauf) One of three groups of riders headed to Memphis, Tennessee, after raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
