2009 Messenger article

Shirley Hanna displays a page from the calender produced as a fundraiser for the Angel Ride “To Save the Ta Tas” event on August 15.


Support of a good cause takes many roads.

This year, the third annual Angel Ride to Save the Ta Tas, scheduled Saturday, will take the roads less traveled, going as far as Carroll and Auburn before returning to Fort Dodge and a night filled with activities.

For the first time, the Angel Ride also includes a "local boy" calendar for sale along with T-shirts, bandannas and a wide range of items to be offered at auction after the fun run.

This is a motorcycle run, said organizer Shirley Hanna, but, "we'd like to see some classic cars come in, too."

All money raised will be donated to the Trinity Regional Medical Center oncology services to buy wigs and scarves for women fighting cancer and to pay for transportation to treatments.

"We need all the help that we can get to raise money for this cause," Hanna said. "Also to raise awareness in the fight."

More than $3,000 was raised during the first Angel Ride two years ago, and last year brought in more than $5,500. Hanna hopes for another large jump in donations.

The calendar idea came about, she said, "as a good way to bring in some of our greatest supporters, the men in our lives."

Twelve local men and a few boys "stepped up to the plate to help us out," she said.

Steve Jackowell is Mr. January; Jamie O'Brien, February; Buck Yoder, March; Dean Underberg, April; Ryan Reekers, May; Bill Barkley, June; Sgt. Ryne Barker with Kannon Graham, July; Loren Zuspann, August; Doug Smith, September; Duran Barlow, October; Brian Pflibsen, November; and Scott and Sam Mericle, December.

The calendar is the kind of thing Hanna hopes will draw attention to the project and money to the coffers. She said she hopes those who buy the calendars enjoy them as much as the committee did putting them together.

This Angel Ride coincides with the annual Dragonboat festival, which seems appropriate, Hanna said. It was her involvement with the Dragonboat festival and the Angels Abreast team that inspired her to set up the first motorcycle ride. Keeping the fundraiser going just seemed right. Still, she said, it's the volunteers who help with the project that keeps it running, Her sister, Lynda Lowery, is co-chairman.

Not counting the funds raised for the hospital's oncology unit, this Angel Ride is important simply because it keeps the fight against breast cancer in the forefront, Hanna said. It will be a pink ribbon day.


Fact Box

If you go:

WHAT: Third annual Angel Ride to Save the Ta Tas

WHEN: Registration between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday. All riders expected back by 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Registration at Community Tap and Pizza. Ride will go to Tony's at Farnhamville, Heroes in Lanesboro, Harley Davidson at Carroll, Shotz in Auburn, Lynchs in Rockwell City and Juds at Knierim. The Angel Ride will end at Amigo's in Fort Dodge.

RIDE fee is $10 per person.

LOCAL-BOY CALENDARS promoting breast cancer awareness will sell for $15; T-shirts, $15; and bandannas, $3. T-shirts and bandannas for sale at Sun Market & Deli, Party Productions, Healthwise Concepts and Community Tap and Pizza. Calendars are available at Kimmy's Photography, Sun Market & Deli and Party Productions.


Contact Sandy Mickelson at (515) 573-2141 or smickelson@messengernews.net