Motorcyclists To Take Annual Amelia's Ace Of Hearts Ride For Breast Cancer
DARLINGTON, Md. (WJZ)—If you're going to be in Harford County on Saturday you'll have a lot of company. Hundreds of motorcycles will hit the road for a big fundraiser.
Ron Matz reports it's 48 miles of heart and soul.
They're revvin' up for a good cause. It's the seventh annual Amelia's Ace of Hearts Ride, raising money for the Do Believe Foundation, the Red Devils and the fight against breast cancer.
"This event means so much to us and the patients we serve. The money raised on Saturday goes directly to benefit breast cancer patients. It helps pay for transportation and treatment, meals and groceries, housecleaning, medical expenses, any little thing a breast cancer family needs to make the journey a little easier for them," said Jan Wilson, Red Devils executive director.
It was a journey begun by founder Wayne Smith and inspired by Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland.
"I've done the Gelfman Ride three times and it inspired me. I met women affected by breast cancer and it affected me, and I felt we needed to raise more money," Smith said. "It's my favorite day of the year. Waking up, I know what's going to happen that day. We're going to raise money, and I'm going to meet people affected by breast cancer. It's overwhelming. At the end of the day the sunglasses are on and some tears are coming out."
The ride is 48 miles and is expected to raise more than $20,000.
"We plan throughout the year for this event. It's huge for us. We brought in almost $20,000 last year, so we're hoping to break that ceiling this year and raise $25,000 or $30,000. That would be great. We're hoping for about 600 bikes this year. It's going to be fantastic," said Heather Murphy, Ace of Hearts Ride.
The ride begins and ends at Chesapeake Harley Davidson in Darlington.
"It goes up through Harford County and Cecil County and into Delta, Pa. and then swings back around and ends at the same place, Chesapeake Harley. There's an after party at the Union Hotel in Perryville," Smith said.
"We're very fortunate. There are so many generous people in our community who want to organize events to raise money for the families that we support," Wilson said. "We were very appreciative of the $30,000 grant we received this year from Dick Gelfman. We look forward to a similar amount of money from this weekend's event."
It's a group dedicated to helping others.
"The event is growing by leaps and bounds. We have so many supporters, and we're so thankful we have so much support behind us. I think breast cancer touches every family in some way, shape or form," Murphy said.
You can still register for the Ace of Hearts Ride. For more information, click here.
