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Motorcyclists take to the highways to raise awareness for homelessness

Over 70 motorcyclists gathered at the Alpena County Courthouse on Saturday morning for the 19th annual 'Ride for the Homeless.'

Alpena — Over 70 motorcyclists took to the roads of Northeast Michigan early on Saturday morning for the 19th Annual “Ride for the Homeless.”

The 100 mile ride raises awareness and funding for the homeless population that utilizes the Sunrise Mission of Alpena. The mission provides homeless people with shelter and helps them get back on their feet. 8,763 bed night stays occurred in 2017. Folks gathered at the Alpena County Courthouse beginning at 8:30am. A police escort led the riders out of the parking lot at 9:30am.

“It’s always a feeling of awe that so many would come and take their Saturday to spend [time] helping those who are in need in our community and that’s just an awesome thing,” said Assistant Director Leslie Scheen. “To watch them [the motorcyclist] interact with each other and enjoy each other just to see the bikes that they’ve invested their time and money and the willingness to use those to help others is just an amazing thing.”

The riders made their way south toward Lumberman’s Monument in Oscoda before heading back north. The ride wrapped up at Word of Life Baptist Church where the riders were fed and enjoyed good conversation. Riders could make a tax-deductible pledge or donation to support the homeless. A special thanks goes out to Nate and Lisa Blury for helping organize and coordinating the event.

To learn more about the Sunrise Mission and how you can help out, visit their website http://www.sunrisemission.com/