Central Oregon 9/11 Memorial Rally set for Sept. 11-12
CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Veteran's Motorcycle Association will host its 24th Annual 9/11 Memorial Rally on Sept. 11-12 across Central Oregon. The two-day community event honors military veterans and first responders through a series of local activities and charitable fundraisers.
The rally features a range of scheduled activities, including a golf tournament, a card tournament, a regional poker run and a charity motorcycle raffle. Event organizers emphasized that participation is open to the entire public.
Steve “Oscar” Meyer, state president of the association, explained that motorcycle ownership is not required to attend. “Everyone is welcome,” Meyer said. “You don't have to own or ride a motorcycle to honor our Veterans and First Responders. We have a variety of events for everyone.”
Friday's events begin at 8:00 a.m. with a golf tournament at Crooked River Ranch Golf Course in Crooked River Ranch. To enter a golf team, play golf or provide a sponsorship, contact Randy at 541 777-0141 or randellcrenshaw@gmail.com.
Later that evening, a Texas Hold-Em tournament will take place at The Big Dog Saloon in Crooked River Ranch starting at 7:00 p.m., featuring a $50 buy-in where the winner receives 50% of the purse.
On Saturday, the Poker Run departs from Timbers East in Bend at 9:00 a.m., taking participants through Central Oregon before finishing at The Big Dog Saloon. Afternoon activities at The Big Dog Saloon include vendors, raffles, bike games, silent and live auctions and a patriotic main event, concluding with a drawing for a 2008 Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle.
Funds raised during the annual rally directly support local veteran programs and emergency services. Stan Thomas, chapter president of the organization, detailed the impact of previous fundraising efforts.
“Last year OVMA raised about $19,000 at this Rally,” Thomas said. “We made contributions to the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, Deschutes County Search and Rescue, Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard and helped Veterans in need throughout the year.”
The organization relies on local community involvement and corporate support to execute the annual gathering. Ray Rose, rally chairman, noted that volunteers are currently reaching out to regional businesses to coordinate logistics and donations.
“We are successful thanks to our sponsors and participants,” Rose said. “OVMA members and the Friends of OVMA are visiting local businesses and promoting the event in the community right now. Please help by signing up to golf, sponsoring and donating prizes and attending our Rally activities.”
For donations and sponsorship opportunities, contact: Ray Rose at 541 390-2877 or ovma.ray@gmail.com
Registration for the golf tournament, sponsorship options and prize donation opportunities remain open ahead of the Sept. 11 kickoff.
