Frederick hosts national adoption and fund-raising event.
High Country Harley-Davidson in Frederick was one of four dealerships across the country to host the Second Annual Bikers for Best Friends Pet Adoption and Poker Run, which also serves as a fundraiser for local rescue groups.
Nearly 100 riders participated in the Sept. 22 event, which generated more than $3,500 to be shared by the Boulder Valley Humane Society and the Longmont Humane Society. (The number of pets who found forever homes is not yet available because none of the groups that participated allow same-day adoptions.)
Ross Hartill, maintenance manager at the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah, is the guiding force behind Bikers for Best Friends. He traveled to Colorado to participate in the event there. What follows are his thoughts.Seeing the photographs of bikers expressing their love for animals in four different locations throughout the country is amazing. Something like that can counter the stereotypes people have of bikers. We realize we can be a bit intimidating to non-bikers when we ride in on their bikes and talk a bit too loud.
In fact, I was witness to this when Mark Stefanowski, who organized the Frederick event, introduced me to his buddies Chris and Jesus. He wanted me to meet these guys because they share his love for animals. Honestly, though, if I wasn't a biker myself I would have been intimidated.
But we all had lunch together and talked about the event and about helping the animals. Jesus shared with us the story of his rescued dog, and Chris talked about the love he has for his Boxers. Mark is so dedicated to his dogs that he has their personal paw prints tattooed on his arm.
Mark had always thought about putting a ride together to support the animals, and when he heard about Bikers For Best Friends he stepped up.
All that these guys wanted to do was to have a great event, and ride to support the animals.
Mark and his wife, Kristin, are supporters of Best Friends. Kristin visited the sanctuary last year and volunteered her time working with the animals rescued from Beirut. During her visit she fell in love with one of the dogs and adopted her into their loving home.
I've taken part in a number of biker events throughout the country that supported local and national charities, and I've witnessed many acts of kindness and generosity with the bikers involved.
I think Bikers for Best Friends will continue to grow because we are on the right track as we get bikers together across the country to support animals in need.
And who knows, maybe people will begin to see bikers for who we really are instead of what they think we are.
Photos by Ross HartillClick here or here to see more photos from the event.Click here for more photos. Click here to read more about the Second Annual Bikers for Best Friends event.Click
here to read about the Arizona event.
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here to read about the New York event.
Click
her to read about the Utah event.