ride into history 2015.
When it rains, it pours, and that’s what it did on Friday Night at the Fort Langley National Historic Site Orchard for Ride into History’s Cruise ‘n’ Concert. Event staff pushed forward despite the weather, and were pleased to have loyal supporters, volunteers and vendors show up and continue with the show. Over 200 concert goers came and stood under tents and umbrellas as they rocked out, danced and enjoyed the serenades of Dave Anthony, The Seabillys and Randy ‘ELVIS’ Friskie. Even some classic cars braved the weather to join in on the event. Hunger Management Food Truck kept up with the orders coming in as the Fort Langley Lions served coffee to warm up attendees. All four presenting credit union sponsors; Aldergrove Financial Group, Envision Financial, G&F Financial Group and Prospera Credit Union stood by with free giveaways, contest draws and more for the concert guests.
“We needed the rain to help our firefighters this summer”, says Troy Gaglardi, Ride into History co-chair, “We took one for the team and endured through the blessing of rain. In 2014, the Cruise ‘n’ Concert brought in just under $3000 worth of donations. Our charity, The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope, is going to miss that income. We know this event would have been even larger this year had there been better weather.” Ride into History is asking those that might have come out to the event, if the weather were brighter, to consider directly donating to Gateway of Hope in Langley either in person, mail or phone in order to make up for some of the lost income. “In the end it’s not a loss for us but for Gateway of Hope, as this event aims to support the funding of many of its programs and services” says Gaglardi.
Saturday’s Scenic Ride & Dinner Banquet went forward as planned and the sun shone providing the riders what they needed. Over 110 motorcycles registered for the charity ride which started at the Fort Langley National Historic Site for breakfast provided by the Fort Langley Lions. The scenic ride took them as far as Sasquatch Provincial Park in Harrison. Motorcyclists returned to Gateway of Hope in Langley where they enjoyed a dinner catered by Milestones Langley. Dinner guests were able to listen to an amazing and heartwarming story from Gary, a former Opportunities Program resident who has seen transformative change in his life due to Gateway’s kindness, and various programs, including Cook Training. “Best year yet”, says Steve Prost, member of the Greater Vancouver Motorcycle Club who joined in on Saturdays festivities.
Next year’s Ride into History dates are July 22 & 23 2016.
