Along the route, riders stopped at three United Way agencies including YMCA, Amherst Family Resource Center and Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County. Motorcycle riders were joined by a 4-member “Scooter Brigade”, led by county executive Mark Maslowski, at the new M&I bank in Crossroads Commons before heading to Pfiffner Pioneer Park to join the Project Fresh Start participants for lunch and entertainment by WSPT. Karaoke was provided by John Copps. To celebrate the rally in true biker fashion, kids were given temporary tattoos featuring the United Way logo. Riders were able to relax with complimentary chair massages from The Pilates Place and all tips were donated to the United Way campaign.

 

At noon , a brief presentation by campaign co-chairs Bob & Nancy Schmidt outlined the 2006 goal of raising $2,050,000 this year. In addition, three local companies were recognized as pacesetters who are leading the charge towards reaching this goal. The results of their employee campaigns were announced and donations were presented to United Way representatives. Cheers went up through the crowd as Steve Sievwright presented a check from UPS for $16,500. Further fueling the enthusiasm, Pam Gartmann presented Delta Dental’s donation of $200,000. Finally,  Brad Neet and Brant Bergeron from Ministry Health Care presented their $225,000 donation, bringing the combined contributions from the three pacesetting companies to 21.5% of the annual goal. Campaign co-chairs Bob & Nancy Schmidt marked this outstanding accomplishment by filling the community thermometer to 20%.

Riders and rally attendees crossed their fingers as the winners of the 50/50 raffle, chance drawings, and leather jacket drawings were announced. Proceeds from registration, raffles, and donations totaled  $2,779. Cash sponsorships of $3,500 and $7,436.63 in-kind donations helped defray much of the event costs and supply chance drawing prizes. Bringing the total amount raised to $13,715.63.  Sincerest thanks to our major event sponsors: Copps, Klasinski Clinic, WSPT,  97.9 JACK FM, B104.9 FM, M&I Bank, McDonalds, Notable Impressions, StarWorks Marketing, and Paramount Farms, Inc.. Also underwriting a portion of the event were, Blenker Construction, GMAC Realty, Stevens Point Tent, Communications Cabling, Starbucks Coffee Company, Harley Davidson of Wausau, Ellis Stone Construction, Stevens Point Brewery and Xerox Corporation.  Country Springs Hotel, Grazies, Holiday Inn & Rudy's Redeye Grill, Rosholt Motorcycle Co., Vita Bella, Driven Technologies, and Seventh Heaven Salon contributed chance drawing prizes for the event.