Rock County ride rallies for homeless veterans

JANESVILLE — The second annual Ride for Homeless Veterans of Rock County promises a day of camaraderie and charity, as bikers support those who have served.

The event is this Saturday, July 13.

The day begins at Bucky’s Lucky Bell Bar & Grill 1804 Center Ave. Registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bring a car, truck or motorcycle. Single drivers are $10, couples are $15.

“The American Legion is always looking for ways to help veterans, especially those that are homeless or injured. So we made this together last year,” American Legion Post 205 Historian Bill Beil said. Last year they raised $10,000. Last year around 70 riders came along, Beil is hoping for the same turnout if not more.

“We want to help out the homeless veterans who are staying at [Housing4OurVets] as much as possible in any way we can. Everything goes back to them, everything that we can possibly get,” Beil said. “It is a wonderful place that they run. They’re trying to get them back on track, back into society and taking care of themselves.”

Housing4OurVets, a nonprofit in Janesville, is also asking for donations. Current needs include twin size comforters and sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels, kitchen towels, 3-in-1 body wash, loofahs, coffee makers, coffee filters, q-tips, razors, kleenex, silverware, kitchen pots and pans. Walmart gift cards in $10-$20 denominations are also accepted.

Donations can be dropped off before or during the benefit at Bucky’s Lucky Bar or contact Tracey Olson at (608) 295-7455.

All checks should be made out to American Legion Richard Ellis Post #205 with the memo stating, Attn: Homeless Veterans Benefit.

Housing4OurVets can house 48 veterans. It currently houses 32.

The route will go to Badger Bob’s Bar and Grill, W8497 County Road A, Delavan; Hat Rack, 1725 Market St., Avalon; Rock’n Rogers, 410 Front St., Clinton; then Hanson’s Hollow, 1012 W Happy Hollow Road, Janesville.

Afterward, there will be raffles, a 50-50 raffle and a silent auction along with food and music.