OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This Saturday, April 5, The Dandelion Project and The Brick City Chapter of The Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (LEMC) will hit the road for a powerful cause. Their first-ever Ride for H.O.P.E. will take bikers from Ocala to Leesburg, all to raise awareness for children dealing with grief and to support families who’ve suffered heartbreaking loss.
The Punishers LEMC is a tight-knit brotherhood made up of law enforcement, first responders, military members, and others who are committed to giving back to the communities they serve. Funds raised during the event will go toward The Dandelion Project, a nonprofit that offers free grief support, resources, and education – focusing especially on kids and grandparents navigating loss.
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“The reason I decided to call it Ride for H.O.P.E. is because the acronym H.O.P.E. was one of my daughter’s favorites. It stands for Hold On Pain Ends. The purpose of this ride is to reassure and give kids hope that their pain will end – or at least ease,” explained Lisa Bolton, founder of The Dandelion Project.
The group has big plans this year, including new support groups for children, grandparents, and foster families. They’ve also launched programs for veterans and introduced Hugs from Heaven, which sends free bereavement boxes to families in mourning.
The ride starts at Charlie Horse, located at 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, with registration at 11 a.m. and kickstands up at noon. The ride ends at The Leesburg Chapter Clubhouse at 106 S. Kaolin Street, where there will be music by local artist Noah Hunton, raffles, food trucks, and fun for the whole family.
More info is available at dandelionproject.net or on Facebook.
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