It’s that time of year for the Chad Smith Ride for Life, and while Chad hasn’t been here for the last eight rides, his tradition and memory has helped dozens of St. Michael and Albertville residents who are battling cancer.
Kickstands will be going up for a pair of recipients from the STMA area – Matt Graunke and Sophia Madore.
Matt is an amazing Husband to Paulette. In December of 2018, Matt was diagnosed with Non-Seminoma Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor in the soft tissue of his chest.
Sophia is 19 and Graduated from STMA in 2017 and is now attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In December of 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer.
“Both these families need our help,” wrote organizers Jennifer Berning, Tobey Berning and Wendy Jorgensen. “Please come out and support these great families in their time of need!”
The Chad Smith Ride for Life began in 2008. Chad was able to be a part of the first two Ride For Life events. A former rider, Hodgkins was taking its toll on Smith by the time the 2009 ride rolled around. He knew the event, which had helped him cover medical expenses and other necessities, could do something great for someone else in need.
“One of Chad’s final wishes was that the event move forward and reach out and find a local family that was also fighting cancer,” said Berning, Smith’s cousin and friend.
Here’s the rundown:
Celebrating 12 YEARS of RIDE FOR LIFE
Saturday, June 15, 2019
The ride starts/ends at Ditto’s Bar St. Michael, MN
Registration is at 9:00 am
Ride leaves at 10:30 am
RAIN OR SHINE!!!
$20.00 per rider/passenger
Outdoor venue:
Music from Standing in Line Band, food, live auction, silent auctions, and raffles to follow the ride
Come join us on this approximate 140 mile ride!!
Coach bus available for non-riders: $20 per passenger – BYOB
For Non-participants of the ride – 5:00pm at Ditto’s Bar in St. Michael, MN
$10 cover charge per person, ages 6 and older
$5 cover charge per person, ages 5 and younger
For information about the ride contact: Tobey Berning 763-286-1633
For donations/benefit contact: Wendy Smith-Jorgensen 763-219-7635
ANYONE UNDER 21 IS REQUIRED TO LEAVE BENEFIT AFTER THE LIVE AUCTION