In an effort to raise funds for the Pearl River County SPCA’s operations, the Blue Knights Chapter XI invites the community to ride with them on the inaugural “Thunder Paws” motorcycle ride set for Saturday.
“They do a lot of great things at the shelter. This is our way to make sure that those services continue and that the animals remain in good hands in order for them to get adopted,” David Ervin, president of Blue Knights Chapter XI, said.
Ervin said the community is invited to donate and participate in a two and a half hour ride through the rural roads of southern Pearl River County and possibly parts of Hancock County. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at Jack Read Park on Goodyear Boulevard. The entry fee is $20 for each motorcycle and $5 per passenger. Kickstands will go up at 10 a.m. and Ervin estimates that the ride will be over at about 12:30 p.m., The ride will end at Jack Read Park where participants will get a lunch provided by the PRC SPCA and Blue Knights.
Ervin said the event is for everyone. People without a motorcycle who wish to attend the event can donate to the cause and join the fellowship at Jack Read Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., he said.
“We’re hoping for a good turn out. The Blue Knights are all about trying to help the community and their different needs whenever we can,” Ervin said.
The local Blue Knights chapter hosts many fundraising rides throughout the year, and each time the club aims to raise more funds than the last, Ervin said.
The Blue Knights held the Ride for Donovan event last year on Oct. 29 and managed to raise more funds than any other event held previously by the club. During Ride for Donovan, the club raised over $2,000, which helped Donovan Trudell’s family pay for liver cancer treatments.
This time, Ervin wants to see more community involvement to help the PRC SPCA and its animals.
“The PRC SPCA needs their community’s help and that’s what we are here for. If we find out that someone has a need that we can help out with, that’s for a great cause, we will certainly get out and try to help to the best of our ability,” Ervin said.
All proceeds will go to the PRC SPCA to help the shelter with its operational costs to assist its adoptable animals.
“We really appreciate all that the Blue Knights are doing to help. The shelter is heading into kitten season so we need all the donations we can get,” Maria Diamond, PRC SPCA public relations director, said.