Christian motorcyclists begin 100-mile run for charity today

By Rhonda Costa-Landers

Appeal Staff Writer

The Christian Motorcyclists Association will hold its 2008 Run for the Son annual fundraiser today.

Members of various chapters participating in the run gain sponsors for the 100-mile motorcycle run for charity. Each rider gets fixed or per-mile rider pledges, similar to other charities that use walk-a-thons as fundraisers.

This year's event marks the 20th anniversary of the run.

"This is our yearly event to give support to missionaries throughout the world," said Brad Hall, area representative for the Sierra Shepherds chapter of CMA.

Hall said participants do not have to be members of CMA and there is no fee to make the run. However, donations will be accepted by any of the chapter's members.

"Anyone who wants to make the run with us can meet me at the McDonald's on North Carson Street no later than 8 a.m.," he said.

"We'll be meeting the Reno chapter at the Topaz Lodge at 9 a.m. to make the run to Bishop, Calif. Kickstands go up at 8 a.m.

The Reno chapter will then be going to a campground in Browns Town, just south of Bishop and meeting up with a Gold Wing group for a barbecue. The 'Wingers,' as they are called, are having a big event there. Some of the Reno group will be staying over for the campout, and some will be turning around and coming back home the same day, Hall said.

"Our group will serve the Wingers breakfast Sunday morning."

Hall said in addition to this being the organization's big fundraiser for the year, it is also simply a fun ride for the chapters.

"There is no cost to anyone, it's basically a fun ride. We're trying to get people to see what we're doing.

"This is actually an international thing. Wherever there's a chapter in the world there's a Run for the Son."

Hall said about 25 members of the local chapter will be participating. The chapter has another event in a couple of weeks, its regional picnic and state rally.

For information on CMA and chapter events, visit www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son.

Over the past 20 years, CMA has been able to extend its outreach to millions of people throughout the world by the fruits of Run for the Son.

By giving to fellow ministries, they have been able to place the message of hope in front of the multitudes in hundreds of other countries.

In addition, Run for the Son has enabled CMA to equip missionaries in the United States to reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The successful efforts of the past 20 years have raised more than $27 million dollars to help spread the good news.

According to the organization's Web site, money from the run is distributed as follows: 40 percent to Home Missions (to reach motorcyclists in the world); 20 percent to the Jesus film project; 20 percent to Open Doors; 20 percent to missionary ventures.

For information on the run, contact Hall at 722-6112.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

If You Go

What: 100-mile motorcycle run for charity from Topaz Lodge to Bishop

Who: Christian Motorcyclists Association

When: Meet at 9 a.m. today at Topaz Lodge. Kickstands go up at 8 a.m.

Call: 722-1223