In an especially poignant ceremony on one of the summer’s most beautiful evenings, representatives, organizers and friends from the Chad Smith Ride for Life event headed out to one of St. Michael-Albertville’s oldest farms to award a huge gift to some new friends.
Dozens of riders met with the family of David Becker, who lost his battle with Stage IV cancer less than two weeks after the huge motorcycle ride, to award the family more than $50,000 in funds raised through donations, auctions, raffles and entry fees.
There were prizes and cash also donated back to the family, who gathered at the Becker family farm.
Dave’s wife, Lynell, was on hand to great organizers like Wendy Jorgensen and Tobey and Jennifer Berning. Joining her were David’s sons, daughters, grandchildren and other family members – less than a week after the family said good-bye to David on July 3.
Since its third annual ride, the Chad Smith Ride for Life has donated funds to:
Luke Letellier Family (2010)
Maddy Wenner Family (2011)
Devon Knapp Family (2012)
Tony Eull Family (2013)
Scott Klinkhammer Family (2014)
David Becker Family (2015)
The ride is organized in memory of Chad Smith, who lost his fight with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2009, shortly after the ride was founded. Proceeds are designated to assist families with medical costs and expenses as they wage their war against cancer.
The family of David Becker, this year’s beneficiaries of the Chad Smith Ride for Life, reacts as a check is presented to David’s wife, Lynell, by Chad Smith Ride for Life co-organizer Wendy Jorgenson. The Becker family received more than $50,000 in proceeds from the 8th annual ride, as well as other prizes and cash donated by the more than 400 motorcyclists and dozens of other friends who participated back on June 20, 2015. Photos by Lorianne Ende
