The New Jersey Chapter of the Hogs and Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit of bikers, hosted its annual bike night on July 15 to raise funds that will benefit veterans’ charities.
The event at American Legion Post 452 in Mullica Hill was open to bikers and non-bikers, with food and refreshment from the lemonade stand of 9-year-old Brantley Eveland of National Park. He started his stand to raise funds for the Burn Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping treat burn victims.
“We originally met this awesome kid during the ride for Bobby Shisler,” said foundation chapter president Chrissy “Crazy” Barber, referring to late Deptford police officer Bobby Shisler. “He had his lemonade stand set up at the Harbaugh Village in Mullica Hill where the ride for Bobby Shisler ended.
“Seeing what he is doing at such a young age, we wanted to be able to help him,” she added. “So we have invited him to our events, along with other local motorcycle groups, including the Deptford Elks Motorcycle Commitee’s bike night. At such a young age – with a huge heart and doing what he can to help people that have been injured due to a fire – is just an inspiration to all.
“We can only imagine what great things he will do as he gets older.”
Attendees at the foundation bike night included representatives of Project Refit, a nonprofit that helps veterans and first responders battle isolation.
“They create a safe environment for those who need to talk about their experiences,” Barber explained, “and what is going on in their lives with others that have similar experiences and like-minded individuals.”
Despite the heat, roughly 30 to 40 people showed up for bike night.
“Our bike night on July 15 was a better turnout for us than we had expected,” Barber noted. “With the temperature being so hot and humid outside, there were a lot of people who just didn’t want to come out. Who can blame them? It was hot. But … it was a better turnout than we expected.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit charities that focus on helping veterans and their families, as well as first responders. They include the Vineland Veterans Home, where the Hogs and Heroes sponsor Bingo.
“With everything the military and first responders sacrifice to keep our country and local communities safe,” Barber said, “we can volunteer our time to help say thank you. Without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”
