Annual Ride Raises Funds for Suicide Prevention, Awareness

  • Posted By: Warren Abrahamson
  • July 12, 2022 @ 5:00 am
  • News
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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – For the past 8 years, the Annual Ride to Silence the Stigma has worked to raise funds for suicide prevention.

Originally, the effort began when the family of the late Thomas Doyle, a veteran who had taken his life, helped form a committee to hold a motorcycle run in 2013. The Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club has continued holding the event.

Crosses and boots signify the number of military personnel who take their life every minute in the U.S.

Club member Monte Rodacker says the money they raise from the ride will be donated to First Link, the operators of the 1-800-273-8255(TALK) line and advertisements on i3G Media radio stations that share the number at all hours of the day.

He added the ride has always departed from Stutsman Harley Davidson. There, they would setup 22 boots and crosses that signify the number of military suicides’ that occur every minute in the world.

Rodacker says as the event has evolved, they’ve decided to modify their setup this year at the start of the ride.

Rodacker says the ride is open to all, pointing out that motorcycle riders can be joined by anyone in cars, trucks, and other modes of transportation. He says the ride will depart Sunday, July 17th from Stutsman Harley Davidson and end at Dani’s Place in Gackle where a meal will be served.

While the ride has been held to silence the stigma surrounding suicide, Rodacker says he’s noticed more are open to discussing it and finding help if they need it.

The 9th Annual Ride to Silence the Stigma will hold registration at 11 AM on Sunday, July 17th at Stutsman Harley Davidson. Cost is $20 per rider and $20 per passenger with all proceeds benefiting First Link and the 1-800-273-8255(TALK) suicide number.

For more information, click here.

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