CRESTVIEW — With a gentle roar, 25 motorcycles, about 35 riders and a trio of escort vehicles swooped up James Lee Boulevard and into American Legion Post 75.
The American Legion Riders’ statewide, six-day Legacy Ride began Monday, and local Legion members awaited them with a hamburger and chips lunch.
“We’re glad to do it for them,” Crestview post member and local American Legion Rider Russ Chamberlain said. “It’s a great cause.”
While the ride is a fun outing, participants said its most important aspect is raising money and awareness for three charitable causes that the ride benefits.
Florida Department Commander Jay Conti Sr. said this year’s ride beneficiaries are:
• Children of veterans killed in the war against terrorism
• Project VetRelief, which supports active duty, newly separated or veteran service members
• Breast cancer awareness
Each American Legion Riders chapter solicits donations while posts visited by the Legacy Ride set fundraisers to support the causes, Conti said.
Last year’s national Legacy Ride raised more than $1 million for the children of veterans lost in the war against terrorism, while the statewide ride raised more than $20,000 for the charities it supported.
“It’s hard to say how much we’ll raise this year,” Mike Kirchoff, a rider from Panama City, said, adding money raised during the ride is pooled with other fundraisers and is presented at the Department of Florida’s annual convention in June.
Last year’s total surpassed $60,000, Conti said, adding, “We’re hoping to top that this year.”
Kirchoff offered kudos to Crestview Post 75 Commander Jeff Williams and his members for their hospitality.
“It’s really a wonderful stop,” Kirchoff said. “Posts like this put on quite a spread for us.”
Soon after their break, the members returned to their bikes to cruise off to the next stop in Pensacola.
Members of Riders chapters along the 825-mile route join the Legacy Ride and drop out as time commitments allow, though some will cover the entire route.
When the ride, which started in Lake City, rolls into Crystal River in Citrus County today, Kirchoff said it’s likely the total number of bikes will easily top 100.
“It’s fun and it’s great causes, too," Kirchoff said. "What else can you do to raise money for good causes than go out for a ride in beautiful weather?”
WANT TO HELP?
Donations benefiting the American Legion Department of Florida’s three causes may be brought to Post 75, 898 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview, or sent to Department Commander Jay Conti Sr., 1912A Lee Rd., Orlando FL 32810-5714.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview American Legion hosts statewide Legacy Ride stop