The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the 11th annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer event, set for Saturday, June 14. The event once again features a motorcycle ride, but non-riding fans who want to support the cause are welcome to attend the post-ride party at Lambeau Field's Festival Foods MVP Deck.
Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $700,000 for the cause.
This year's ride features a route from Green Bay's Vandervest Harley-Davidson to the City of Seymour Fire Department's annual picnic, held at the Outagamie County Fairgrounds in Seymour, and then to Lambeau Field for the post-ride party. The ride leaves Green Bay at 11 a.m.
Preregistration is $20 per driver and $15 per passenger, and is available at www.cruiseforcancer.org or in person at Vandervest Harley-Davidson locations in Green Bay and Peshtigo. Those who register before June 5 will have the chance to win a Tramon Williams autographed mini helmet.
All registered riders will receive a free Cruise for Cancer commemorative bandana. All proceeds will go toward helping local families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin battling cancer. Last year's recipient organizations included the Angel Classic Inc., Bellin Health Foundation Inc. (Patient Assistance Fund), St. Mary's Hospital (A Woman's Place), St. Vincent Hospital (Child Life Program), St. Vincent Hospital (Compassionate Care Fund) and Unity Limited Partnership (Hope for Grieving Families).
On the day of the ride, registration begins at 9 a.m. and will continue through 10:30 a.m. at Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Green Bay. The post-ride party begins at 2:30 p.m. at Lambeau Field in the Festival Foods MVP Deck, which can be accessed through the Shopko Gate. The party will include food and drink for purchase, a silent and live auction and fun while bringing awareness to cancer. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get autographs from Packers players in exchange for a $10 donation to the event.
Interested riders also can raise additional money for the cause and win prizes by enlisting the help of others with the use of a pledge form. Top fundraisers will receive Vandervest Harley-Davidson gift cards. The form and more information are available on the event website, www.cruiseforcancer.org.
Non-riders are invited to support the cause by attending the post-ride party. A $5 donation is encouraged.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2003, Parins was strengthened during his journey by the support he received from his family and friends, and while witnessing families who also were dealing with the effects of the disease. At the time, Parins pledged to help other families dealing with cancer, and thus the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer ride was born.
In addition to the ride, those interested in supporting the cruise are encouraged to participate in the "Save it or Shave it Head Shaving H.O.G. Chapter Challenge." The fundraiser encourages the public to vote for either Wildfire H.O.G. Chapter director Jeff Larmay or Packerland H.O.G. Chapter director Greg Roberts to have his head shaved. Both chapters are sponsored by Vandervest Harley-Davidson. Votes are $5 each, and there is no limit to the amount of votes that can be submitted per person. The director that receives the most votes will have his head shaved at Lambeau Field as a part of the post-ride party. For more information and to submit votes, visit either Vandervest Harley-Davidson location.
Please visit www.packers.com and www.cruiseforcancer.org for Cruise for Cancer ride and post-ride party details.
