The Ride for a Friend organizers and hard working volunteers would like to introduce you to the Leuschen family of Sudbury.
The Leuschen family consists of mom Christa, Dad Corey and three children, Raina (7), Liam (5) and Grayson (4). All three children in the Leuschen family are special needs and have multiple diagnoses. All have been diagnosed with level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), language impairment as well as genetic and neurological abnormalities. Raina has some gross motor concerns, and requires AFO’s and physiotherapy due to toe walking. Liam has an additional diagnosis of focal epilepsy, and FOX p1 disorder. The children also have a variety of behavioural challenges including PICA (eating non-edible objects), elopement (running away), destructive and self-injurious behaviours. The Leuschen parents have needed to augment and modify their home to ensure the comfort and safety of their children. The family has to continually adapt as the children age and grow. Corey is very dedicated to his family and his employment at a local hardware store. Due to the high needs of the children, Christa stays at home to care for them, manage ongoing appointments and implement specialist recommendations.
As the cost of living continues to rise, and with only Corey being able to work, trying to secure any additional support such as respite and/or therapy has become increasingly challenging, as well as a full time job for mom. The Leuschen children require one-on-one assistance in the home, community, school and daycare in order to ensure their safety. Additionally, all three children are incontinent and non-verbal, making it challenging to obtain and retain consistent respite support. Even though all three children were diagnosed with ASD at an early age, the family is still waiting on OAP funding to provide behavioural therapy. The ASD diagnostic team recommended 30+ hours of behavioural therapy, a week, per child. As a low-income family, private behavioural therapy is not an option without additional funding.
In order to participate within the community and to take part in family activities, the Leuschen’s require respite workers to ensure the safety and inclusion of the children. Raina loves outings, playing in the water and getting her nails done. Liam is a very active boy, loves sensory activities and to be outside. The youngest Leuschen, Grayson, enjoys cuddles, water play and sensory activities. The family loves to explore science centres such as Science North and Ripley's Aquarium due to their accepting and accommodating atmosphere. Stars and Strollers at Cineplex theaters has been a family favourite with their sensory friendly modifications. It is the Leuschen family’s wish to go on an out of town family vacation together. Due to the children’s high needs, respite is a constant necessary expense and would be required throughout the duration of a vacation.
Help us help this family with just some of the assistance and support they need. The Leuschen family would like to extend their gratitude in advance for your time and engagement.
Boozefighters MC is proud to announce our 2024 Ride for a Friend! This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local children in need. This is our 11th annual poker run and our event continues to be one of the best Northern Ontario has to offer. This year’s recipient will be the Leuschen familyof Sudbury with their three children, Raina, Liam, and Grayson.
We do hope you'll join us for a great day of riding in support of the Leuschen. The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at DeeDee's Diner in Alban where participants will be entertained with live music and field games.
All makes and models of motorcycles, and all riders are welcome. In fact we don't care what you show up on as long as you've come with a positive attitude in support of Ramsey!
Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!
The Ride for a Friend organizers and volunteers are actively looking for sponsors for our 11th Annual Charity Poker Run.
We are soliciting donations from local resident and area businesses for rider prizes as well as donations in the form of cash or service directly to the family. We would be delighted if you would consider making a donation to this worthy cause. All donor businesses will receive recognition at the event, on our website, our Facebook page and possibly in local media as we promote the event.
Your donations will be used for the sole benefit of the Ride for a Friend charitable recipient. However, our goal extends also to provide a fun-filled afternoon, camaraderie and enjoyment for participants all while stimulating a healthy economic impact for the region.
Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Poker Run General:
1. Ride for a Friend is a Poker Run. The objective of participants is to visit 5 to 6 checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Having the best hand and winning is purely a matter of chance. The event has a time limit (10am-2pm), however the individual participants are not timed.
2. This is not a parade ride. Riders complete the route at their own pace and in the sequence of their choice. Please view our interactive map to help decide what route you will take. There are 3 route ideas provided to get you started: The Short Run: 82km, 1hr ride; The Long Run: 179km, 2hr 14min ride; The Big Loop: 213km, 2hr 38min ride.
The Details:
1. The action all starts at 10am.
2. Riders can register and begin their run at any of the 6 checkpoints any time after 10am
3. $20 per hand. Riders or passengers may purchase multiple hands.
4. Poker Run Play Card must be submitted by 2pm at Dee Dee's Diner
Burnout pit, loudest exhaust, and field games
1. From 2pm to 4pm
2. Light up your back tire at our burn out pit
3. Rip the throttle against our db meter to claim the loudest exhaust
4. Enjoy watching some classic field games. Contact a local Boozefighter to participate.
Playing your Hand:
1. You’ll draw 1 card at each of the check points. If you draw an identical card as one you are already scored for, the card will be void and you will draw again
2. Hands will be determined by the ‘Poker Run Score Card’ which you’ll receive at your first check point
3. You may purchase additional playing cards to improve your hand at DeeDee's when submitting your Score Card. Prior to drawing your additional card you’ll have to forfeit one card from your existing hand. A maximum of 2 additional cards may be purchased for $5 each.
Checkpoints:
1. French River Rest Stop @ French River Hwy 69 crossing
2. *Dee Dee's Diner @ 828 Hwy 64, Alban
3. Monetville Tavern and Lodge @ 53 Shanty Bay, Monetville
4. Lake Nipissing Narrows @ North of Monetville Hwy 64
5. The Lavigne Tavern, @ Lavigne on Hwy 64
6. Brutus Express @ Hwy17 & Levesque, Sturgeon Falls
*Final destination and hand submission point is Dee Dee's Diner in Alban.
View the Interactive Map
Entertainment:
Stay with us all night for food, liquid refreshments, our signature boat fire, and live music. Please drink responsibly and better yet - set up your tent and spend the night.
Schedule:
2-4 - Pop Mach!ne
4-5 - Tommy Fyfe
5-6 - Laura & Miguel
6-8 - DOKIS
8-11 - BluesLiners
Camping:
Join us at Dee Dee's Diner, where you can sent up your tents for FREE. Porta-John's are on site. Please see event staff for tenting locations.
