Masonic Widows Sons pass $100,000 fundraising mark

White River Jct., VT – The Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Group held its 15th annual veterans ride Sunday to raise money for veterans programs offered through the Veterans Association hospital.

The Vermont chapter of the Widows Sons began raising money for veterans in 2009 when a member suggested hosting a charity motorcycle ride. Since then, the annual event has grown, passing $100,000 in funds raised this year.

The ride began at P&H Truck Stop in Wells River and followed Rte. 14 to the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, where the bikers were met with a presentation of the fundraising award and a barbecue to celebrate their efforts.

Karen Campbell, Chief of Voluntary Service at the VA Medical Center said the Widows Sons’ annual donations make many of the hospital’s programs possible.

“They support our rec therapy, our homeless team — donations through the years have totaled more than $90,000, so I don’t know what today’s total will bring, but we’re going to put on a big barbecue as a thank you,” Campbell said. “We couldn’t do what we do for the veterans without their help.”

The group raised just over $39,000 this year, bringing the total amount raised to nearly $130,000 over 15 years.

Chad Bell, President of the Widows Sons Vermont Chapter said the ride is one of the groups biggest annual fundraising events. He noted that many of the Widows Sons are veterans themselves, and helping other veterans makes the cause especially personal.

“We owe a lot to our veterans — we owe everything to our veterans, and this is some small way that we can help them out for all they’ve done for us,” said Bell. “I’m one of the lucky ones, I came back whole — they didn’t, so if I can help them I will, and we will.”

The Widows Sons first veterans ride in 2009 included only two-dozen riders and raised just over $1,000, but the event has expanded since then to include members from Widows Sons chapters in New Hampshire and Maine. Bell hopes to continue to grow the event and raise more money to grow veterans programs at the VA.

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