Articles

Eight local cancer organizations will share $155,000 in their efforts to fight cancer and help families affected by it thanks to a donation presented to them by the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer Foundation on Wednesday, July 21, at Vandervest Harley-Davidson of Green Bay.

“The cruise has partnered with area cancer related organizations in an effort to enrich the lives of local families experiencing the life altering effects of cancer,” said cancer survivor and ride organizer Jerry Parins, a retired captain with the Green Bay Police Department and Director of Corporate Security for the Green Bay Packers. “Together with the help of the community, our quest is to instill the love of life in our recipients through providing compassionate care and support during their journey with cancer and beyond. A one-day smile may be contagious and invaluable.”

Funds for the $155,000 donation were raised over the past years from last year’s Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer event and contributing events such as Drift Inn Chili Event, as well as donations from the Green Bay Packers Organization and from numerous individuals and families. The eight organizations receiving funds included the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ovarian Cancer Community Outreach, Bellin Health Oncology Patient Fund, Colton’s Cure, St. Vincent Child Life, Ribbon of Hope, Unity Hospice, and St. Vincent St. Mary’s Compassionate Care.

This year’s 18th Annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer will take place on Sunday, Aug. 1. Registration will take place at Vandervest Harley-Davidson of Green Bay, 1966 Velp Ave., Green Bay, WI 54303, from 9 to 11:15 a.m., with the ride departing around 11:30 a.m. and returning at approximately 1 p.m.

The cruise will ride through the streets of Green Bay and Allouez and the public is urged to line the streets to support the five cancer families that are being honored this year. Fire trucks and police officers on Harley-Davidson motorcycles will lead the ride. Broadway Chevrolet is sponsoring vehicles that the five cancer families will ride in following Jerry Parins and the fire trucks.

Following the ride, a tailgate party will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at Vandervest Harley-Davidson. The party will include live music by “Petty Cash,” food trucks, silent and live auction and bucket raffles. The public is invited to attend.

People can pre-register at Vandervest Harley-Davidson of Green. They can also download the registration forms and pledge sheets at www.cruiseforcancer.org/ride_info/ and bring them in, along with their registration fee of $20 per driver and $15 per passenger, to Vandervest Harley-Davidson prior to the event or on the day of the event. People who pre-register by July 24 will be entered for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson wall sign.

For more information, visit www.cruiseforcancer.org or www.vvhd.com.