Riders throttle up

Published 11:30 pm Monday, August 6, 2012

Daily News photo/SAUNDRA LYNCH More than 25 motorcycles were registered with the Ride for the Homeless Sunday, which benefited the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and the Decatur Family Shelter.

The second annual Ride for the Homeless saw a rise in numbers across the board Sunday, raising more than triple last year’s proceeds, which benefit the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and the Decatur Family Shelter.

The motorcycle event,  with 27 bikes and 37 riders, raised $1,539, more than tripling last year’s tally of $471. Sponsors of the ride include Clutch It Up Klick and Advocates for All of Southwestern Michigan College (SMC). Decatur Family Shelter coordinator Jeremy Weinrick said the event grew exponentially this year and he was glad to see a larger turn-out.

“There was a bit more advertising this year for the ride,” Weinrick said Monday. “We put out fliers and advertisements in all three counties .”

The shelter, which housed 109 people in 2011, received 100 percent of the proceeds. Wenrick also said this year featured two food vendors and a dunk tank, which was split between the SMCAA and the Dowagiac Fire Department.

“That produced $58,” Weinrick said.

The event also had more than 26 volunteers. Local business chipped in, including Coca Cola, of Paw Paw; Oil Can Alley, of Dowagiac; Twisted Twin Custom Motorcycle, of South Haven; Judd Lumber, of Dowagiac; PX Supply, of Granger, Ind.; Lyons Industries, of Dowagiac; Bonomo’s Collision, Dowagiac; and Special-Lite, of Decatur.

Weinrick also said he was happy to see Rep. Arik Nesbitt and Rep. Matt Lori.

“Mr. Nesbitt has actually said he’d like to schedule a time to visit the shelter and walk through,” Weinrick said.

“I think that’s just great to see.”

The ride also featured a small car show, a first on the campus of SMC.

“I think we’ll see the ride grow even more next year,” Weinrick said.