Events and Activities : Annual VS Special Olympics Benefit Ride set for Aug. 24

Special Olympics Benefit Ride: Vinton native John Larkin rides last year with cyclist Mike Kramer

Vroom! comes before Boom! Saturday, August 24th as the 4th Annual Vinton Shellsburg United Special Olympics Benefit ride rolls into town. Starting at the Ron da Voo and covering approximately 130 miles, the ride raises money to support local Special Olympics athletes from Vinton-Shellsburg, CPU and Benton Community school districts. “We’re expecting nearly 200 riders, and all vehicles are welcome to join the ride,” event organizer Kris Kramer said.

Participants will sign up at 11 a.m. at Ron-Da-Voo in Vinton, and will plan to return to Vinton at around 6 p.m.. The large annual Boomtown fireworks display takes place at dusk that evening.

The ride will finish at Mickey’s in Vinton after stops in Traer, Blairstown, Shellsburg, and Urbana. There will be many raffle prizes,including a 42” flat screen TV from Nick’s Appliance, and several big ticket items will be auctioned off at Mickey’s by local auctioneer Phil Barkdoll. “We’re very grateful to Phil for donating his time to help us out,” Kramer said. “He did an awesome job for us last year.”

Raffle tickets for the TV can be purchased in advance or the day of the event for $5 each, or 5 for $20 from any VSU parent. The team will also accept donations anytime. “Last year we had a gentleman walk into the Ron da Voo and say he didn’t want to ride, but gave us $50 for the cause,” Kramer smiled. “That was so amazing, I couldn’t believe it.”

The ride wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations of prizes by local businesses and community members. The Vinton-Shellsburg United team would like to thank everyone for their support. The team is coached by Head Coach Tammy Zimmerman and assistants Brian Larkin, Kris Kramer and Whitney Bowen. They also have tremendous support from many of the athlete’s parents and extended family. For more information about the Benefit Ride, or to purchase raffle tickets for the TV, call event organizer Kris Kramer at 319-560-7117.

Click HERE to see the event flyer.