On Saturday, August 17, 2024, 106 motorcycle riders came together at The Highground for the 24th Annual Ride to Remember® in Neillsville Wisconsin.
The Ride to Remember was based entirely at The Highground this year, which contributed to the overall spirit of the event. “I’m so glad you had the rides here this year! It felt like coming home,” a veteran and rider shared. The Highground greatly appreciates the many years the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 in Neillsville has provided their post as the venue for this event.
Celebrating the honor and valor of past and present military service men and women is the number one intent of this annual event, with fundraising for The Highground and its veteran programming being the ultimate benefit. Each of the three rides and parade were successful and enjoyable with the dedicated support of Bill Flemal and Doug Mauritz of the VFW Riders District 7, Chad Garcia and Theo Williams of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 45, and Tim Harris of the Rolling Thunder Inc WI Chapter 2.
The Neillsville Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Department and Neillsville Volunteer Fire Department were instrumental in the safety of the riders throughout the day providing safe intersection support. Their continued support of The Highground and its events that take its veterans and other supporters on the road is invaluable.
While the Hillbilly Fever Band served up classic country music for riders to enjoy between the rides, Sue and Mary Kokosz were in full raffle basket mode. As promised, the “Basket Babes” prepared a wide range of themed raffle baskets enticing the event attendees to raise $1,955.00. Sue and Mary’s passion for The Highground and veterans goes unmatched as they donated all the proceeds to The Highground.
The Highground is tremendously grateful for this year’s supporters of the Ride to Remember that helped to raise over $8,000: Neillsville Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Neillsville Volunteer Fire Department, VFW Riders District 7, Department of WI VFW Riders, CVMA 45-6, Rolling Thunder Inc. WI Chapter 2, Springbrook VFW Post 10568, Dairyland Originals Women on Wheels, “Basket Babes” Raffle, Woodfield Inn and Suites, Lumberyard Bar and Grill, Whitmore Ace Hardware, Hansen’s IGA, Chippewa Falls Harley Davidson, Central Wisconsin Broadcasting, WWIS Radio, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bonnie Henchen and Ruth Novak.
Information about next year’s 25th Annual Ride to Remember will be available on The Highground’s website later this year. For upcoming events, news and more, visit The Highground website at thehighground.us or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us