Local motorcycle club, the American Legion Riders, recently used club funds to benefit Hopes Haven.
Part of the group gathered this week to present a check for $500 to the local animal shelter.
“We greatly appreciate the Legion Riders and this donation because our operational costs are between $97,000 to $100,000 a year,” Vice president of the Board of Operations for Hopes Haven, Jim Shubert said. “Everything helps.”
The shelter is one of many groups the motorcycle club has benefited in the short amount of time the club has existed.
The American Legion Riders started up in summer 2021 and since then the group has hosted a few fundraisers and gun raffles. The group recently went on a more than 300 mile ride to Thompson Falls, Montana and has networked with other veteran based riding groups as well.
The club has donated funds to the Heyburn Elementary for its new playground equipment, it's donated to the food bank and has benefited the Veterans Outreach Center.
“We pretty much give away all the money we make other than operating expenses, which isn't very much,” Club vice president Paul Sotin said.
“I think the group did a hell of a job in the last 12 to 14 months we've been together. We've helped the community out and the veterans and it's been great,” Club president Bill Byes said.
The group has also seen a lot of support from the community.
“This community is very supportive of the veterans in Benewah County,” Club road captain Gary Hill said.
The group has also grown to having about 14 riders who have joined its ranks. Most, if not all, of the members are also members of the American Legion. The club is looking to add to its ranks and all members need is to be a veteran and own a motorcycle.
Currently the group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This next meeting at the beginning of the year, the club hopes to discuss what it plans to do this year regarding upcoming rides and community fundraisers.
To learn more about the club, visit its next meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 31 at the Elks Lodge.
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