Pictured left to right Eric Morton/President of Genesee ABATE, Rich McAdoo/Secretary of the Red Star Foundation, Robert Bogle/Sgt. in Arms Genesee ABATE.
The first official Red Star Ride in WNY is in the books. Almost 50 bikes showed up at Stan’s Harley-Davidson on Saturday morning to help raise money and awareness for the Red Star Foundation.
The nationwide organization is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have lost a loved one to suicide. The Foundation also works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities.
Video of the first official WNY Red Start Ride (second one in the country) leaving Stan’s Harley Davidson on West Saile Drive Saturday morning. The 75-mile ride ended at Akron Park with a picnic. Rich McAdoo/Secretary of the Red Star Foundation hopes the ride will become an annual event.
“This is incredible, the day is beautiful, the turnout is incredible, more than I thought we would get. Any amount of help we can get through the Foundation, is outstanding. I appreciate and thank these guys, Genesee ABATE for setting this up and organizing and holding this event for us,” says Rich McAdoo/Secretary of the Red Star Foundation.
Links to website and Facebook page below:
988 Veterans Crisis Line was also on hand today.
NYS Office of Mental Health was also available at today’s ride.
The Red Star Foundation is looking to reshape the language around suicide loss and reduce stigma, promote solidarity, and encourage open conversations about mental health and healing.
