On the morning of May 17, bikers from around central Texas began arriving at the JW Bracken Saloon in San Antonio. However, they weren't showing up for a beer so early in the morning. No, their presence was for something far more important. The bikers were coming in for the second annual Friends 4 Fisher House 'Fun Run'. The run was created to raise money for the Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that builds homes on VA property where families of veterans can stay for free while their loved ones are getting treatment.
According to run organizer Janel Nolan, the event was a huge success. The fun run hosted 139 motorcycles, along with their drivers and passengers, and some 250 who stayed for lunch. The event was rounded out by a silent auction and a number of giveaways. All totaled, they managed to raise $15,836.50 for a very good cause.
Nolan described the day as being 'pretty perfect'. She thanked the sponsors who made the event a success by donating the goods and services needed to pull it off. We are happy to say that we did our part by contributing Freedom Isn't Free biker patches to be given to all participants. We were honored to do so.
A Perfect Match
It turns out bikers and organizations like the Fisher House Foundation are a perfect match. Just poll the ranks of bikers that gather at any one of your local hot spots and you'll find that a good number of them are veterans. What's more, some of the world's most well-known motorcycle clubs were founded by veterans looking for a sense of belonging and brotherhood after getting out of the service.
It's no secret that a loyalty to our military services is very common among bikers across the USA. We believe the heroes that have served our country so well deserve the best treatment we can provide them, in everything from their housing to their medical care. Organizations like the Fisher House Foundation contribute to that treatment by making sure veterans and their families are physically cared for during the most difficult times. Such efforts deserve the support of every American.
Freedom Isn't Free
With Memorial Day now on the horizon, it is important for all of us to remember that freedom truly is not free. It is paid for through the blood and sacrifice of those willing to fight on behalf of this great nation. Without the dedication of our military men and women, it is very possible that our freedom would have been taken away from us generations ago. The heroes of both yesterday and today deserve our utmost respect.
Events like the second annual Friends 4 Fisher House 'Fun Run' occur more often during the summer months. So as you go about your business this summer, we ask you to keep them in mind. If you can support one of these very worthy causes, either materially or by giving your time, please do so. Our military families are too important for us to forget about them.
You can check out some of our Freedom Isn't Free biker patches by clicking on the preceding link.
