Born to Be Philanthropic

To the Editor:

I truly enjoyed your article on the many motorcycle groups across the country that are raising funds for non-profit organizations (“Doing Good Turns for Charity,” October 16).

During the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working with the Sunset Riders Motorcycle Club in Butler County, Pa. This group holds an annual Charity Poker Run motorcycle ride to raise funds for children and adults with mental retardation who are served by Allegheny Valley School. They raise approximately $3,000 annually, and the proceeds are used to support a crucial need for an individual who is served by one of the Allegheny Valley School facilities located in their community. This year their donation will help purchase a new electric wheelchair for a young man named David.

I have also had the distinct pleasure of working with hundreds of volunteers from various motorcycle clubs throughout western Pennsylvania on our major annu- al fund-raising event — the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Over 125 vintage racing automobiles worth millions of dollars are kept safe each year because of the efforts of volunteer bikers.

Thank you for recognizing this wonderful group of volunteers and philanthropists.

Diane M. Barna
Chief Development Officer
Allegheny Valley School
Coraopolis, Pa.