Knights of Columbus: North Arlington, Virginia

Knights of Columbus Edward Douglas White Council 2473

Muscular Dystrophy Association Ride for Life
Council Donates; Chancellor Rides.

On May 5-6 I had the opportunity to attend the Muscular Dystrophy Association Ride for Life. This year marked the 20th Anniversary that the East Coast Harley Davidson Dealerships have been sponsoring this event to raise money for those children less fortunate. Since joining the Fairfax Harley Owner’s Group, or HOG, I have become more actively involved in riding, but this event really meant something to me and here’s why: I got my collection packet late and I started collecting at our bowling league. All the fellows stepped up to the plate and donated. I then went to work and collected from there. I realized that maybe the Council might want to donate, and you guys did, with a generous donation. Overall, my chapter collected $10,000.00. Almost 15% of the collections came from people that I spoke with, along with the donation from the Council.

On the day of the ride, we all gathered at Patriot Harley, my HOG sponsor, and we rode up toward Reading, PA where the event was going to be held. We stopped at Gettysburg Harley for what is commonly called in the riding world, a “butt-break.” I used to wonder how all the guys I knew got all those really cool Harley shirts. Well, during a butt-break, they go into the dealership and buy them! I got a shirt and pin for my vest there. We then rode to York, PA for another butt-break, and stopped at Laugerman’s Harley. (Yes, another shirt and pin.) We rode into Reading and headed to Penn Manufacturing, where there were kids in wheel chairs lined up and waving at us. I looked at my fellow bikers and did not see one dry eye. This is what the trip was all about: to do something for those kids. My heart was touched very deeply. As a memento for collecting, I was given a hat and shirt. We had some other events that weekend, and we rode home.

The best part happened the following Wednesday at my HOG meeting. I received a hand drawn picture from a child named Dustin Jones. It was matted and framed for me by the MDA. This child drew a very nice picture, and then the MDA folks gave it to me. It means more to me than you can imagine. I never met Dustin, but next year, I am going to collect more. I am also writing the foundation to see if I can meet him. I would like to take a picture of him and the picture he drew for me. This event really touched my heart. So if you see me coming, be prepared to run the other way or donate to MDA! Again, I want to thank the Council and all of the membership who donated. It meant a lot, not only to me, but to those children who are less fortunate and able to do for themselves. 100% of the monies collected went to the cause. Everyone who went, did so at their own expense and time. Please consider those children in your prayers and with your finances. God Bless.

Rick Losa
EDW Chancellor, 2006-2007 Fraternal Year