Several motorcyclists prepare to leave Shooter’s Saloon near Pine Grove on a ride to promote breast cancer awareness and the Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography program. Bonnie’s Bus will be in Pine Grove at Norris Pharmacy on Nov. 14.

American Legion Rider’s Chapter #81 of Pine Grove, along with those who joined them, weathered a cool rainy day on Sept. 30 to promote breast cancer awareness and the Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography program, from WVU Mary Bab Randolph Cancer Center.

Every rider tagged his or her motorcycle with a pink ribbon and pulled out of Shooter’s Saloon in Pine Grove loaded with information to share during their 145 mile route-a route that included a tribute visit to Blacksville, which had been Bonnie Wells Wilson’s home town. They also visited the Mary Bab Randolph Cancer Center (MBRCC) where the staff greeted them with refreshments and many welcoming smiles.

The riders were able to see the Bonnie’s Bus and gather more information about the program. The staff of the MBRCC invited reporters from the Dominion Post and WBOY-TV channel 12, who were stationed and ready to snap pictures of the group of riders as the thundered up the drive. The American Legion Riders were honored to have Gary of Thunder Roads magazine riding with them on this very important mission. The remainder of their route included a visit to both American Legion Posts #13 of Clarksburg and Post #81 of Pine Grove, where they were sure to share the awareness of Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography program.

There was plenty of work being done throughout the day in Pine Grove, for the awareness and benefit of Bonnie’s Bus. Tina Rush, the proprietor of Shooter’s Saloon, graciously volunteered an amazing community service. Tina donated and prepared food that she served free to everyone who stopped by with their contributions, or to place bids in the silent auction, which ran all day. Tina’s mom, Becky Rush, is a cancer survivor and she was right there working beside Tina. A benefit that provides so much takes a lot of work so Robin Adams and Julie Liggett were kept quit busy registering riders, collecting donations, and helping wherever they could.

A very special thank you is extended to everyone who contributed to the Bonnie’s Bus Awareness Benefit. There were several anonymous contributions so even though they don’t know their name; they definitely appreciate each of you. Donations were sent from The Department of West Virginia American Legion Family who are located throughout the state. Moundsville Post 3, Auxiliary Unit 3, and SAL Squadron 3; and Auxiliary units from New Martinsville Unit 28, Moorefield Unit 64, Paden City Unit 86, Pine Grove Unit 81, Bridgeport Unit 68, Barboursville Unit 177, and Weirton Unit 10 gave to the cause. Donations were also received from individuals throughout the Short Line community, the state of West Virginia, and even from the state of Texas.

Thank You goes out to JeanAnn Gump, of Memory Makers Photo, for volunteering to spend her day capturing photos of all the activity during the event. Keith Rush and Matthew Bassett took care of all those “guy jobs.” We also thank Kristy Loy of the “Kinkade Sisters Karaoke” It is always a fun event when those girls are the emcees.

This benefit was initiated by one of American Legion Riders chapter 81 members, Tammy Workman, who is also an officer in the department of West Virginia American Legion Auxiliary; when she had a personal experience in April 2012, which led her to visit the Bonnie’s Bus while it was set up in St. Marys. She was very appreciative that there was a program like the Bonnie’s Bus and wanted to do something to promote awareness of the program which travels throughout West Virginia, providing state of the art mammogram screening in communities across the state. She also learned of the third party supporters who make it possible for every woman age 40 and up to never be refused this service due to inadequate insurance coverage. Five months of letter writing, posting flyers, planning, and organizing resulted in the ALR chapter raising $2,176 for the Bonnie’s Bus Mobile Mammography Program.

The Bonnie’s Bus will be in Pine Grove at Norris Pharmacy on Nov. 14. In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness the ALR Chapter will continue accepting donation through October-in memory of loved ones and in honor of survivors. Address donations to to Legion Riders Chapter 81 c/o Tammy Workman, P.O. Box, 63 Reader WV 26167. (Add Bonnie’s Bus in the memo.)