Save-A-Vet ride supports retired military, police dogs

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WOODSTOCK – The second annual Save-A-Vet road rally and poker run takes place Saturday culminating at the McHenry County fairgrounds, with a kickoff family day event for children Friday.

The fundraising activities support “the other forgotten soldier” – retired military and law enforcement working dogs and other service animals, event organizers said in a news release.

Thousands of motorcyclists from 10 Harley-Davidson dealerships in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are expected to participate. Along the way, they will visit restaurants and tavern stops to punch their poker run cards for a chance to win more than $4,000 in prizes. Routes include a total of 50 stops, five for each rider on 10 routes.

“We’re not aware of any other run in the country that’s this big,” said Danny Scheurer, Save-A-Vet founder and Iraq veteran. “Plus, we have 10 Harley dealerships all working together on this event. ... We’re really grateful.”

Bikers will be joined by car club members and other road enthusiasts and Save-A-Vet supporters, Scheurer said in the release.

Attractions at the fairgrounds – on Country Club Road just east of Route 47 in Woodstock – include pig roasts, motorcycle bike rodeos, live bands, “dunk-a-cop” tanks, K-9 demonstrations, raffles, giveaways and more.

Live music will include performances by Joe Cantafio, who plays for veterans and troops all over the world, Scheurer said.

The Almost Brothers Band, the Voice of Veterans, Big Block blues band, and Sean Freeman the bagpiper firefighter all are slated to perform.

Participants will register and begin their rides between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday at any of 10 participating Harley-Davidson dealership locations: Woodstock, Palatine, Libertyville, Villa Park, St. Charles, Berwyn, Rockford, Glenview, and Kenosha and Janesville, Wis.

The cost is $20 a rider, plus $10 a passenger, with all proceeds going to Save-A-Vet. Other ride details are available at www.save-a-vet.org/fundraiser.htm.

Preride festivities will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Beva Café, 7221 State Park Road, Spring Grove. This family-oriented day will include face-painting, free food and cotton candy for the children, live music, K-9 demonstrations, dogs, cats and other pets from local animal rescues, and more.

Details are available at www.save-a-vet.org/kidsday.htm.