AUGUSTA — A motorcycle run Saturday will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine.

The run — hosted by the Augusta Eagles Aerie 3137 and Maine Motorcycle Riders —   is an effort to raise funds for a group that grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions.

Event co-chairwomen Rhonda Carver and Tammie Willett created the event three years ago. It eventually grew to become a family affair for Carver after her family became involved.

When asked why the Make a Wish Foundation was her charity of choice, Carver simply replied, “The kids. It’s a good cause.”

The past three runs have brought in $29,000, enough to grant five wishes.

Carver said that, although the economy is tight this year, she’s hoping this run will bring in at least $6,000 — which is the average cost of one wish, including travel and spending money.

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“I am hoping that we can at least do one child,” she said. “We are hoping to meet that.”

Registration for the event is at The Eagles Club in Augusta from 8:30 to 9:30 this morning.

A Make-A-Wish family will see bikers off at 9:30 am from the Augusta Eagles Club, and the bikers will travel through Gardiner and Lewiston to the Livermore-Turner line, then Skowhegan before returning to Augusta at approximately 3:30 pm.

Upon return, activities are scheduled at the Eagles Club. A live band, Cold Blue Steel is scheduled to perform from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Guests may also enjoy a barbecue with a donation of $6 per person. Riders with a pledge sheet eat free.

Other activities include 50/50 drawings and raffles of gift cards and giveaways donated by local businesses.

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Money can be turned in with a pledge sheet at the end of the run. Pledge sheets are available at 71 Water St. in Augusta.

“It’s a great cause. It’s helping children in the area,” Wardwell said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine was established in 1992 with the objective to provide children and their families with “a worry-free experience” requested by the child.

To date, more than 950 wishes have been granted to Maine children — one wish per week, on average, according to the Foundation.

This year, the Foundation expects to grant more than 75 wishes to seriously ill children in Maine. All proceeds raised during the run will be donated to a Make-A-Wish family in Maine.


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