Thunder for Hunger helps Outreach East

By Monica Dufour
INDEX Staff Writer

DAVISON — While Mother Nature decided to rain on the Thunder For Hunger motorcycle parade July 19, bikers endured the downpours to ride and raise money for the hungry.

Approximately 70 motorcycle riders lined up at Bullfrogs in Goodrich at 2 p.m. to ride out to Madden’s Lounge of Davison, 809 N. State Rd.

Susie Laidler of ABATE’s Genesee County chapter said this is the third year the motorcycles have ridden to raise money to reach the hungry people of Michigan.

Laidler said monies raised from the ride will assist Outreach East of Davison and Gleaners Community Food Bank of southeast Michigan.

While the weather wasn’t perfect for the ride, Laidler said they still managed to raise $3,410 to be distributed evenly between Outreach East and the Gleaners Community Food Bank.

She said there were about 200-300 bikers who showed up at Madden’s after the ride. “I think we did pretty well considering the weather. The kind of weather makes or breaks events,” she said. “We had rain pouring down throughout the event,” she said.

“Raising money to feed the hungry is what it’s all about. That’s why my husband, Wayne, and I rode our bike in pouring rain,” she said with a smile.

Laidler said she’s noticed an increase of families needing food over the past three years. “I think there has been a 30 percent increase of families,” she said.

Outreach East Director Jan Lebert said she is grateful for the assistance from organizations like ABATE. Volunteers from Outreach East had a tent of baked goods for sale during the Thunder for Hunger activities at Madden’s. Lebert said they raised about $250.

Outreach East, 425 Genesee St., is an inter-denominational, walk in year-round emergency resource agency that assists individuals and families of Davison, Goodrich and Otisville. It was established in 1990.

The director has seen an increase in the number of area families asking for assistance throughout the year. “We don’t just have families come around Christmas, they’re in need all year round,” she said.

“Donations are the lowest in the summer and with children out of school, an even greater strain is put on parent’s grocery budgets,” Lebert said.

Outreach East assisted 82 families in just the month of June with more than 3,000 pounds of food, she said.
In the last 12 months Outreach East has spent $25,500 on food for area families, and have handed out 131 packages of diapers, 86 new coats, school supplies, and assorted baby and household items in addition to other resourses they offer, Lebert said.

Lebert said Outreach East currently is in need of cash donations and peanut butter and jelly.

Outreach East is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 1-6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Details: 810-653-7711.