Bikers raise funds for SPCA
Jun. 25—PLAINS TWP. — The "Bikers with a Heart" lived up to the nickname Sunday, amassing a huge crowd of riders to hit the road and raise money for one of the area's most well-known organizations.
The Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club's 28th annual Ride for the SPCA went off without a hitch from the Polish American Veterans in Plains Township, with hundreds of riders joining the cause to help out some furry four-legged friends looking for a good home.
"We've been doing this since even before the club started," said Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club president Jim Biscotto. "Most of us are animal owners, we all love animals."
Biscotto estimated that the SPCA Ride has raised more than $200,000 since its inception for the Luzerne County SPCA, with staff members and volunteers from the SPCA on hand Sunday — along with about a half dozen adoptable dogs from the shelter, who quickly became the stars of the show.
"A lot of people will come to this, and they'll pick up a dog," Biscotto said. "They actually will take the dogs from the SPCA, which is good."
The ride itself started at about 1 p.m. from the P.A.V. parking lot, and riders embarked on a 60-mile ride around Luzerne County before ending up back at the P.A.V. lot.
Proceeds from the registration, as well as from a basket raffle happening throughout the day, all went toward the SPCA.
SPCA Education and Volunteer Coordinator Carol Amos expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization for the continued support from the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club over the years.
"These guys have been a huge supporter of us for many, many years," Amos said. "It's a beautiful day, we've got a great turnout, and it all benefits the unwanted and abused animals of Luzerne County."
The ride typically averages around 400 participants, according to Biscotto, and judging from the sheer size of the parade of motorcycles lined up to hit the road, this year's ride stood a good shot of hitting or even clearing that mark.
Riders came from all over the valley and beyond to take part in the ride, while also getting a chance to enjoy music, food and time with the shelter dogs.
Well-represented at Sunday's ride were the PA Bikers for Justice, a motorcycle group dedicated not just to riding, but to helping victims of crime achieve justice and peace.
"It's very heartwarming to see how much people love and support the animals," said Heather Howell, from the Bikers for Justice, who brought her own dog (and honorary Bikers for Justice member) Clover with her to watch the ride. "It's very critical, the donations and funds are so helpful."
The group of SPCA dogs gathered at the entrance to the parking lot to send the riders on their way, before retreating to the shade of the P.A.V. pavilion.
Money collected during Sunday's ride will benefit the SPCA in a number of different ways, according to Amos, including bedding for the dogs, building upkeep, lights, food and so much more.
Sunday also doubled as a nice little field trip for the shelter dogs, who got to spend the afternoon meeting and greeting tons of new people, enjoying the pleasant early weather.
"Especially for the big guys ... they're so excited to be out for the day," Amos said.
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