Foundation for TJO Animals Hosts ‘Ride Like an Animal’ Event
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals will host the seventh annual “Ride Like an Animal” Motorcycle Ride and Poker Run to benefit the animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. All proceeds from this event will provide much-needed medical care and training to the many animals that call the adoption center their temporary home.
The event takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration and kick off festivities — at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield — will include special guests Jonathan Hall and his famous cat, Toto the Tornado Kitten.
Registration opens at 8 a.m., with kickstands up at 10:15 a.m. and the ride leaving at 10:30 a.m. About 300 bikes are expected to depart the shelter for a scenic ride through Western Mass., ending at the Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin St., Ludlow. Riders and guests will enjoy a post-ride party featuring food, live music by the Varlets, raffles, and more.
Registration is $25 per adult rider and free for children under 7. For those individuals who would like to attend the after party only, post-ride party tickets are available for $15 per person.
The event is sponsored by Chicopee Savings Bank, Colonial Tire and Brake Center, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Florence Bank, Freedom Credit Union, Performance Kars Unlimited, Southampton Harley Davidson, Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, Thrivent Financial, Wizard Auto Body, and the Foundation for TJO Animals board of directors. Special thanks to the members of the Iron Order International Motorcycle Club for their help organizing this event.
The Foundation for TJO Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports and enhances medical services and enrichment programs for the animals at Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. For more information about the foundation, call (413) 306-5161 or e-mail [email protected].
