The Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer, a motorcycle ride to benefit cancer patients and families throughout northeastern Wisconsin, presented checks totaling $80,000 to eight local cancer support organizations Tuesday at Lambeau Field.
The funds distributed were raised in last year's Cruise for Cancer, an event that drew more than 700 participants. Since its inception, the ride has raised more than $450,000 for the cause.
Jerry Parins, the Packers' senior security advisor and organizer of the event, distributed money to the following organizations: Angel Fund for Children with Cancer, The Bellin Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Riah's Rainbow, Ribbon of Hope Foundation, St. Vincent Hospital Regional Cancer Center Compassionate Care Fund, St. Vincent Hospital Regional Cancer Center Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic and Unity.
Parins also previewed the eighth annual Cruise to be held on Friday, July 29.
This year's route again is a one-way event, leaving Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Peshtigo at 3:30 p.m. and making its way to Lambeau Field for the customary tailgate party. The post-ride tailgate party begins at 5 p.m. and will be at the Mills Fleet Farm Gate at Lambeau Field's southwestern corner. Fans will enjoy live music by a Wisconsin favorite, The Love Monkeys, as well as food, beverages and merchandise for purchase, along with live and silent auctions. Autographed items by Packers Aaron Rodgers, Charles Woodson, Greg Jennings and Brewers John Axford and Corey Hart will be included in this year's auction, along with tickets and pre-game sideline passes to the Packers/Vikings game at Lambeau Field. Brewers tickets and Resch Center event tickets are included, too.
The party is free for riders and a $5 donation for non-riders. Please visit www.packers.com often as further Cruise for Cancer tailgate party details will be updated as the date nears.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2003, Parins was strengthened during his journey by the support he received from his family and friends and witnessed many families who also were dealing with the effects of the treatment and disease. At the time, Parins pledged to help other families dealing with the disease, and thus the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer ride was born.
Additional information can be found at www.cruiseforcancer.org.
