IBEW Midwest Solidarity Ride raises nearly $9K to benefit Missouri charities

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent

Even in the midst of a weeklong heatwave with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, it was clear to see that solidarity and brotherhood was alive and well on the 2023 IBEW Midwest Ride.

The event, co-sponsored by the IBEW Local 1 Electrical Workers Riding Club and the IBEW Local 53 Electrical Workers Riding Group, out of Kansas City, drew about 100 motorcycles and 140 participants from 17 IBEW locals on July 29 in the Lake of the Ozarks. Last year’s event was held in St. Louis.

‘AN AMAZING FEELING’
“It was such an amazing feeling to ride side-by-side with over 100 other brothers and sisters all sharing the same passion for riding and knowing that we were raising money to help others in need made it all the more special,” said IBEW Local 1 Business Representative Chuck DeMoulin, the riding club’s treasurer.

The ride included a stop at Redd’s BBQ for lunch and a banquet afterward at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. Mike Crocker, Local 1 riding club president, emceed the event along with help from Local 53 Business Representative Chad McGreger, vice president of Local 53’s riding group.

“We collected close to $9,000 that will be split between the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City and The Women’s Safe House organization in St. Louis,” Crocker said.

Last year’s donation of $5000 was given to The Henry Miller Museum in St. Louis.

The IBEW Chicago Riding Club will be hosting the ride next year July 26-27.