Riders raise more than $10,000 for soldiers overseas

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira
Posted 8/21/19

The roar of motorcycles filled the air Sunday afternoon as participants in the ninth annual Frontline Ministry Ride for Freedom did their part in raising money to help send care packages to the brave …

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Riders raise more than $10,000 for soldiers overseas

Posted

The roar of motorcycles filled the air Sunday afternoon as participants in the ninth annual Frontline Ministry Ride for Freedom did their part in raising money to help send care packages to the brave men and women serving in the armed forces overseas.

Following breakfast at Jacky’s Galaxie Restaurant and Sushi Bar and pre-ride ceremonies in the adjacent parking lot, riders boarded their bikes and head south on Metacom Avenue toward the Mt. Hope Bridge and into neighboring East Bay area communities. On their return trip back to Bristol, a buffet lunch awaited the bikers at the restaurant.

Pre-ride ceremonies included an opening prayer by Albert Benevides, and the singing of the National Anthem by local vocalist Victoria Carroll.

“I really enjoy taking part in this event every year,” said Bristol’s Bill McKenna, who was gearing up for another ride on his 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle. “It’s something I really look forward to each year.”

A total of 116 bikes and 172 riders completed the 42-mile ride in 1 hour and 30 minutes. In the process, a little more than $10,000 was raised for the troops overseas.

Ride organizers thanked the Bristol police and fire departments, as well as the Portsmouth and Tiverton police departments and the East Providence Elks for their assistance. Sponsors and local businesses were also thanked for their donations, along with the staff at Jacky’s Galaxie.

Next year, the Front Line Ministry Ride for Freedom will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Aug. 16, 2020.

“Everybody is looking forward to that,” said Ride for Freedom committee member Gail Devine. “Plans are already underway.”

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.