New Rochelle hosts national adoption and fund-raising event.
By Jen Krause, Events Manager, Best Friends Community Programs and Services
Six homeless pets received a fresh start this weekend when bikers from around New York rolled into the New Roc Harley-Davidson dealership in New Rochelle on Sept. 22.
Hailing from Staten Island, Middletown, Yonkers, the Bronx, New York City, and surrounding areas, the motorcyclists turned their passion for riding into compassion for shelter animals hoping to find a forever home.
New Roc was one of four dealerships in four states hosting the Second Annual Bikers for Best Friends Pet Adoption and Poker Run. The event is designed as both a fund-raiser for local shelters and a showcase for their animals.
Despite an overcast and rainy day with light showers, more than 40 Harley connoisseurs pulled on their boots and revved up their engines for a ride through Westchester County. They stopped at the Bronx River and other locations to draw a single card at each in order to fill out their poker hand. They returned to New Roc to see who had the winning hand.
A group of furry friends from the Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown and the New Rochelle Humane Society greeted them back at the dealership.
One of the adoptions was Bailey, who came from Pets Alive. The “very sweet and loving” Chow recently had her leg amputated because it had been broken and healed incorrectly. She was found as a stray in New York City.
The bikers enjoyed a lunch prepared by local volunteers and New Roc employees.
In addition to the six successful adoptions (additional applications are pending), the first-time event raised about $1,000, which will be donated to the two shelters.
Photos by Paul W. Taub and Jen KrauseClick
here to see more photos from the event.
Click here to read more about the Second Annual Bikers for Best Friends event.Click
here to read about the Arizona event.
Click
here to read about the Colorado event.
Click
her to read about the Utah event.