The Oregon Veteran’s Motorcycle Association will host its 24th Annual 9/11 Memorial Rally on Sept. 11-12 across Central Oregon. The two-day community event honors military veterans and first responders through a series of local activities and charitable fundraisers.

Rally Activities

The rally features a range of scheduled activities, including a golf tournament, a card tournament, a regional poker run, and a charity motorcycle raffle. Event organizers emphasized that participation is open to the entire public.

Steve “Oscar” Meyer, state president of the association, explained that motorcycle ownership is not required to attend. “Everyone is welcome,” Meyer said. “You don’t have to own or ride a motorcycle to honor our Veterans and First Responders. We have a variety of events for everyone.”

Event Schedule

Friday’s events begin at 8:00 a.m. with a golf tournament at Crooked River Ranch Golf Course in Crooked River Ranch. Later that evening, a Texas Hold-Em tournament will take place at The Big Dog Saloon in Crooked River Ranch starting at 7:00 p.m., featuring a $50 buy-in where the winner receives 50% of the purse.

On Saturday, the Poker Run departs from Timbers East in Bend at 9:00 a.m., taking participants through Central Oregon before finishing at The Big Dog Saloon. Afternoon activities at The Big Dog Saloon include vendors, raffles, bike games, silent and live auctions, and a patriotic main event, concluding with a drawing for a 2008 Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle.

Funds raised during the annual rally directly support local veteran programs and emergency services. Stan Thomas, chapter president of the organization, detailed the impact of previous fundraising efforts.

“Last year OVMA raised about $19,000 at this Rally,” Thomas said. “We made contributions to the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, Deschutes County Search and Rescue, Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard, and helped Veterans in need throughout the year.”

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.