Ginger Misch, Harley-Davidson sales and motorclothes staff member discusses who this ride is for and how it will support an entire community in Valparaiso.
“This ride is all about our veterans,” Misch said. “The military is what makes our country free, so we’re trying to do things like this for them. All the money raised here today will go to Operation Charlie Bravo, which will take care of our local military that needs a little extra help. We hope this will become an annual event because Harley-Davidson appreciates all they do for us.”
Harley-Davidson will be hosting four more Impact Ride events monthly through September.
“We definitely wanted to make sure everything went right for this one so we can continue growing it in the upcoming months,” Misch said. “We’ve had a pretty good turnout today even starting early. We're hoping that the rest of the community comes out to these events, even those who don’t have bikes or get the opportunity to ride often.”
Misch also recognized the partnership with Kelly Law Offices in putting this event together. One member of Kelly Law who was thrilled to be a part of this event was Marketing Executive Denine Harris. She shares how her conversation with Misch helped both sides realize this partnership would be the perfect fit.
“This event is really personal for me because my dad was a veteran,” Harris said. “When I met with Ginger about doing this ride, we talked about bringing awareness to them and getting out into the community to do something that makes a change. It’s been a great partnership and everybody has played their part in being involved with getting this event prepared.”
Kelly Law was also doing a giveaway for Chicago Cubs tickets at the event in an effort to get more families involved and support Operation Charlie Bravo.
Beth Nowak, partner with Kelly Law, is one person who hopes this event can serve as a way to elevate that level of support.
“Operation Charlie Bravo is one of the organizations in this community that has a special place in our hearts,” Nowak said. “They do so much for our veterans and it’s an underserved population in this area. Anything we can do to help them, we’ll do it.”
Jason Zaideman, executive director and CEO of Operation Charlie Bravo, discusses the specific impact that the organization has on veterans and how significant it is for them to receive the proceeds from this event.
“We’re a non-profit organization that provides tools, parts, materials, and other supplies to serve as a fun place where veterans can come in to do all the things they want,” Zaideman said. “Without the organizations supporting rides or events like this, we wouldn’t be able to do that on a daily basis.”
Along with educating riders about Operation Charlie Bravo, Zaideman was able to experience the fun of riding his bike on the road today as well.
“I love riding with a group of other people who do too,” Zaideman said. “The things that you see and smell when riding a motorcycle are so unique. You have this total disconnect when you’re on the road with the wind in your face. It feels like you’re flying through the air and I love every part of it.”
The event was also sponsored by Copper Custom Armament and Boyd Asphalt. People who missed this event will have their next opportunity to join the Impact Ride on June 22.
For more information on Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso, you can visit their website.
