Ride 2 End Alzheimer's raises $21,000 for Alzheimer's Association

MEDINA TWP. — With the help of its supporters and participants, the organizers of the APPC Plumbing annual Ride 2 End Alzheimer's gave the Alzheimer's Association a $21,000 donation on Friday afternoon. More than 18 years ago, Ride 2 End Alzheimer's President John Pojman began raising funds through a smaller lunch ride for the Alzheimer's Association after his grandmother died of the disease. Then, about six years ago, Keith Schroeter of APPC Plumbing got involved and helped Pojman expand the ride to the APPC Plumbing annual Ride 2 End Alzheimer's. The ride raises funds for the Akron Walk to End Alzheimer's, which takes place in October. Schroeter serves as the vice president and route captain, setting the route the bikers will take year after year. In 2023, the route was 199 miles as compared to this year's route of 179 miles. "We actually try to keep it different every year," Schroeter said. "We want it to be fun. Part of what we do is trying to get everybody to see different parts of Ohio while we're doing it." Throughout the ride, Schroeter said they make three stops: two scenic stops and a lunch stop. On June 22, about 80 motorcycles gathered in the APPC Plumbing parking lot, preparing to head out for the day at 10 a.m. This year, the Ride 2 End Alzheimer's added a party bus to the group, allowing non-motorcycle riders to take part. As the group travels around the state, Pojman said local law enforcement agencies will come out to help direct traffic. The area residents will come out and wave to them as they pass by. At the end of the ride, the organizers throw a dinner party with a live band, raffle baskets, and a 50/50 raffle. "We have the best biker family in the world," Pojman said. "The guys who come out and help us put this stuff on, they're like family." Besides hosting the ride, the Ride 2 End Alzheimer's organizers will take part in the Akron Walk to End Alzheimer's as part of Team H.U.G.S., one of many teams signed up for the event. The Akron Walk to End Alzheimer's will be on Oct. 13 at the University of Akron Stile Athletics Field House, 289 S. Union St. "The Walk to End Alzheimer's is a walk that we use to help gain funds," Akron Walk to End Alzheimer's manager Keyana Carter said. "The funds go to community organizations." All the funds raised further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. A ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m., with the walk to start at 10 a.m. To learn more or to register, visit tinyurl.com/48rs8e68. Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.