The fourth annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer, a motorcycle ride set for Saturday, June 9, to benefit cancer patients and families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, will feature linebacker A.J. Hawk and other Packers players.
Hawk and his wife, Laura, will lead riders throughout the route in a pace car. Among the other Packers players and staff supporting the event will be Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Aaron Kampman, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Colin Cole and Noah Herron.
Additionally, Packers Chairman Bob Harlan will be signing copies of his autobiography, Green and Golden Moments: Bob Harlan and the Green Bay Packers, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
A host of autographed items will be available for bid during a silent auction after the ride as well. Among the items sure to be popular is an autographed Packers helmet with the names of the Lombardi offensive backfield, including Bart Starr, Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor. Also available for bid will be Brett Favre autographed items, a Geoff Jenkins autographed jersey and a helicopter ride for three people.
Last year's Cruise for Cancer drew nearly 800 participants on more than 500 motorcycles and raised $65,650 for local cancer support organizations.
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.
Pre-registration forms currently are available through www.cruiseforcancer.org or at Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Peshtigo and Vandervest Custom Cycles in Green Bay. A $10 donation per person is required to participate in the ride. Riders who pre-register by June 5 are eligible for a chance to win a prize.
On the day of the ride, registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the Lambeau Field parking lot near the Mills Fleet Farm Gate at the southwest corner of the stadium. Registration also will occur at Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Peshtigo beginning at 9 a.m.
The ride will leave Lambeau Field promptly at 11 a.m. Packers players and personnel will be on hand to make appearances prior to the ride.
The first leg of the ride will lead to Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Peshtigo. Upon arrival in Peshtigo, food and beverage options, provided by Kroll's West, will be available for purchase.
Following the completion of the ride, a tailgate party will be held beginning at 3 p.m. in the Lambeau Field parking lot near the Mills Fleet Farm Gate at the southwest corner of the stadium. A raffle, auction and music, provided by Elite Music Services, will be part of the festivities.
The tailgate party is free and open to everyone, not just riders.
Additional information including the ride route can be found at www.cruiseforcancer.org.
