Riders set out on a previous Blazer 88 Foundation charity ride. “Everybody that’s there is really good people. It’s a good ride for a good cause,” said Brandon Nelson, who rides in the event each year. “It’s a very uplifting feeling.”
FORTVILLE — Leaders of a local foundation supporting veterans are expanding their annual motorcyle ride event to include a cornhole tournament and community block party Saturday in Fortville.
“A lot of our riders are from this area,” said Tiffany Ward, one of the organizers. “It just seems like a good central location for us.”
This will be the fourth annual ride for the foundation, started by friends of Chuck Theobald IV, a local Marine known for his giving spirit and supportive presence for fellow veterans. Blazer 88 was his call sign.
Theobald was quick to approach people “the moment he heard somebody needed something,” said friend Cori Drudge, “be it help and support or just a shoulder to cry on … just to see what he could do.”
After Theobald’s passing in 2020, friends of his wanted to continue his work of supporting veterans. The first ride in August 2020 raised $27,000. Ward said the second and third rides raised $35,000 each. This year’s total will be bolstered by sponsorships, cornhole tournament entry fees ($20 per team), and bids on auction items during the block party.
The funds raised have been used to assist veterans in need: helping a family in hard times have Christmas gifts for the children, paying rent for a veteran who lost his job until he got back on his feet, buying a service dog, paying for a therapy-based camp for youths who lost a parent in the service, paying for therapy for a veteran suffering from PTSD, building a wheelchair ramp, helping a retired military nurse with medical bills, and more.
Registration for Saturday’s ride begins at 9 a.m.; for $30 riders of motorcycles, jeeps, trucks, etc., receive a T-shirt and three meals, and they can go to the after party at American Legion Post 391 in Fortville. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m., and riders are expected back around 4 p.m.
The post-ride block party in the parking lot next to Post 391 features a cornhole tournament and children’s activities such as face painting, Velcro “ax” throwing, sidewalk chalk and a large soccer inflatable. Live music and food vendors such as Kona Ice will also be part of the party.
Drudge said as news of Blazer 88’s work spreads, events such as the annual motorcycle ride and a gala planned in October are drawing more people. Events have grown beyond Theobald’s circle of friends to others who want to support veterans.
“That’s attracting people that we don’t even know, because they want to come in and participate as well.”
IF YOU GO
Find more details about Saturday’s block party, cornhole tournament and motorcycle ride, including entry information, at blazer88.org.
