The third annual Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer, a motorcycle ride to benefit cancer patients and families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, is gearing up for its ride this Saturday. Last year's event drew nearly 1,000 participants on more than 600 motorcycles.
Several members of the Packers organization are going to support the event. Among the Packers to help start the ride will be Chairman/CEO Bob Harlan, President/COO John Jones, General Manager Ted Thompson, Ahman Green, Aaron Kampman, Scott Wells and Najeh Davenport. Among those participating in the tailgate party will be Head Coach Mike McCarthy, offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Aaron Rodgers and Samkon Gado.
Also, this year's ride features a special guest: Ragnar, the Minnesota Vikings' mascot. A motorcycle enthusiast, he often gives time to worthy causes and is looking forward to helping the Cruise for Cancer.
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. A $10 donation per person is required to participate in the ride.
The ride will leave Lambeau Field promptly at 11 a.m. 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. Live music performed by "Little Cisco" will be featured before riders head back to Green Bay.
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 and auction will take place with a Packers breast cancer cap autographed by Brett and Deanna Favre to be a featured item.
The tailgate party is free and open to everyone, not just riders.
Parins, the Green Bay Packers' director of corporate security, was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. During his journey, he was strengthened by the support he received from his family and friends and witnessed many families who were also dealing with the affects 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.
All proceeds from the ride are donated to charities throughout Northeastern Wisconsin to benefit families dealing with cancer. A total of $38,000 was raised during last year's ride.
Additional information including the ride route can be found at www.cruiseforcancer.org.
