OFF THE WIRE
A crew of motorcycle riders made its way through Elmore County on Saturday with one thing in mind — helping animals.
The 10th annual “Cruisin’ fer Critters” charity ride was presented by the Predators Motorcycle Association, with all proceeds going to support the Humane Society of Elmore County.
More than 100 participants gathered at Papa T’s in Montgomery about noon, with many more trickling in before the ride got under way.
John West, president of the sponsoring organization, said it was the largest crowd he has seen since the event’s inception.
It was good news for West, whose organization set a goal of raising $10,000 in honor of the 10th anniversary of the ride. Funds were raised through entry fees, participation in a poker run and other donations. Last year, the event raised $6,500.
“That was our highest amount ever, up from just a couple thousand in the first year,” West said.
Papa T’s serves as the meeting place for the Predators Motorcycle Association. On Saturday, the location featured a face painting booth for kids and a bike and car wash to help with donations.
West said the event has grown from about 30 or 40 participants the first few years to the hundreds it attracts now. He said helping the animal shelter is important to the organization as many of the riders have adopted pets from the location.
“We’re all big animal lovers,” West said. “And we know they are a fourth-, fifth- and sixth-chance shelter. They will do whatever they can to not put an animal down.”
The route for the ride took participants to locations such as the VFW post in Wetumpka and ATV Unlimited in Eclectic. Riders also stopped at the Elmore County shelter.
Rea Cord, director of the Humane Society of Elmore County, said the event was “incredible.”
“It’s so much fun to be involved with a great group of people — to have them come together on this beautiful day for a good cause but also a good time,” Cord said.
Cord said the money raised will go toward the shelter’s expenses and helping those animals that need medical care.
“It really makes a difference,” she said.
While some participated in the event for the first time, others used the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Tom Royal, a member of the Montgomery-based Sons of Armageddon, said it was his fourth year taking part in the charity ride.
Royal, whose wife works for a veterinary hospital, said he has always had a love for animals.
“I believe in the saying of a dog being a man’s best friend,” he said. “We just want to see the animals get adopted. You don’t have to be from Elmore County to appreciate what they’re doing.”
An official donation total was not available Saturday.
Donations can be made by check to the Predators Motorcycle Association, 4449 White Acres Road, Montgomery, AL 36106. Checks can be made out to the association or the Humane Society of Elmore County, with “Cruisin’ fer Critters” on the memo line.
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