3 organizations benefit from 3rd annual Motorcycle Ride for Suicide Awareness

At least 32 motorcycles participated in the 3rd annual Motorcycle Ride for Suicide Awareness that was held Saturday, July 20.  Julie Deeds and her son Justin and their friends have organized the ride in memory of Julie's husband and Justin's father, Dennis, who completed suicide nearly seven years ago.

Pictured with Julie and Justin are representatives of the three groups that will receive the money raised.  Third from left is Rob Spengler, a board member of NAMI Four County; Mariah Hurst, HRIS and benefits administrator for Keller Logistics which has organized KAVIC (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis) to help Defiance County veterans; and Jenny Hoeffel, the program manager of Maumee Valley Guidance Center's veterans' outreach program.

The final amount raised is expected to be announced in early August.

The group is standing around a 1978 Harley Davidson short head cycle that had been owned and ridden by Justin's father.  The bike, which has been restored, now belongs to Justin and he rode it to lead this year's 32 riders on a 70 mile tour.