July 26,
2021
| Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com
AGAWAM – The Melha Riders will host their 14th annual Hospital Motorcycle Run on Aug. 15, to raise both money and awareness for the Shriners Hospital for Children.
The Melha Shriners is a group of Shriners International. President of the Melha Riders, Nick Athas said there are several Shriners Hospitals across the country. Shriners Hospital performs many major operations such as cleft lip and palate surgeries, construction of limbs, and so on. Athas claimed that regardless of someone’s ability to pay, Shriners will provide care to children.
He went on to say, the Melha Riders are a “subunit” of the Melha Shriners. In essence, they are a motorcycle group, however, Athas assured they are not a “gang.” Their motto is: “We ride so kids can walk.”
In addition, there are countless other subunits that stem from the Shriners.
On the day of the run, the motorcycle line-up will begin at 10 a.m., at Melha Shriners Center, 270 Main Street. Here, there will be a 50/50 raffle, coffee, donuts, T-shirts for sale and even teddy bears.
To participate in the ride, the cost is $15 per person. Anyone is welcome to join.
The bikers will begin their ride at 12 p.m. Police escorts will lead the pack with about 15 officers. In past years, there have been up to 350 motorcycles that have joined in at once.
The Melha Riders have a designated route and drive directly past Shriners Hospital – waving to all the children who are spectating, said Athas.
The motorcyclists are expected to pull into the Polish Club of Agawam, 139 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, around 1 p.m. Taking place at the Polish Club will be the “after party,” as described by Athas. Admission is $5 to see the band Trailer Trash, a local band that everyone enjoys, claimed Athas.
Food will be available, however, price is not included in the admission fee.
Athas said one hundred percent of all the money raised goes directly to Shriners Hospital.
Over the past 14 years, the unit has donated $320,000 to Shriners in total. Athas said the lowest they ever raised in one year was $13,000 and the highest was $37,000. This year, Athas and the rest of the Melha Riders hope for another year of escalated success.
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