News : VSU ride a success again; organizers thank cyclists, donors and food providers

VSU Special Olympians and their families gather for a photo before the annual benefit ride.

More than 100 people, including dozens of motorcyclists and a few driving or riding in cars or pickups, gathered in front of the Ron-Da-Voo in Vinton on Saturday morning for the annual Vinton-Shellsburg United Special Olympics teams.

“Thank you to everyone who came out for the benefit ride yesterday and supported our team,” says Kris Kramer, mother of athlete Zach and one of the event’s organizers. “Thanks to all the people, businesses, family, friends, for helping getting everything ready and making it another successful year. Everyone knows this is very important benefit for me and to my heart and I enjoy getting it all ready (even if I am a little stressed) but love doing this every year. I hope to see them all next year and the following years to come.”

Kramer also thanked Smoken’ on the Cedar for their donation of food.

“That was a big help and a lot of stress off my shoulders,” she said.

Andrew Sauer was the winner of the $2,500 vacation voucher. Many businesses donated items for a auction that took place at the end of the day, at the Vinton Post 57 American Legion Hall.

Main fund-raising campaign

The ride is the team’s main fund-raising event of each year. Mike Kramer came up with the idea six years ago.

“We needed a fund-raiser, and I thought this might work,” he said as cyclists filled 1st Avenue with their bikes on Saturday morning.

See more photos HERE.