GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – An annual event this Saturday is looking to raise money for those battling cancer.
It’s the 16th annual Cruise for Cancer, where bikers ride their motorcycles from Green Bay to Oconto and back for a good cause.
The event was founded by Jerry Parins, a retired Packers Security Director and cancer survivor.
He, along with fellow organizer Dixie Kinnard, joined WTAQ’s Morning News with Matt & Earl on Wednesday to discuss this year’s event.
“It’s our privilege to work and raise revenue to fund people dealing with their cancer and the problems they have,” explains Parins.
Recently the organization was out dispersing the funds that they raised in last year’s event.
“Last week, [it was] $154,000 to ten organizations in our community that are hands-on in hospitals and hospice,” he explains.
Parins understands the toll that cancer can have on an individual and a family as well as anyone.
Not only did he beat it, but tragically, his wife succumbed to cancer over a year ago.
“Agony of cancer is tremendous,” he explains. “It’s a mental, physical issue.”
In the past fifteen years, the event has raised over $1.5 million in funds for community organizations that treat cancer patients and their families.
The plan is for more than three-hundred bikers to participate in this year’s event.
Of those three-hundred, organizers will be honoring three special families.
“We’re going to induct all of those families into our Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer Hall of Fame,” explains Dixie Kinnard.
And for those wishing to participate, there’s still time to get involved.
“The day of the ride we have registration,” says Kinnard. “This Saturday at Vandervest Harley-Davidson you can come in anytime from 9 a.m. until about 11 a.m. when the ride is going to be departing.”
Not a rider, but still want to help out? No problem.
The community is encouraged to come out to the post-ride tailgate event at Vandervest Harley-Davidson that starts at 2:30 p.m.
That event will feature a live auction, food, beverages, and merchandise for sale.
The full interview can be heard here.
