Limestone Lodge #176 F&AM in Birchwood, Tn. will host the first “Loud, Proud & Pink’’ motorcycle ride on Saturday, Sept. 5 to benefit the MaryEllen Locher Foundation.
Cost is $35 per bike, which includes a meal and T-shirt. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and riders will depart at 10 a.m. The ride will run from Birchwood to Crossville and include scenic back roads of Southeast Tennessee. A cookout, door prizes and live music will be offered at the end of the ride.
The MaryEllen Locher Foundation is a college scholarship program for children who have either lost a parent to breast cancer or have a parent who is a breast cancer survivor. Over the past 14 years, the foundation has awarded over 380 scholarships totaling $658,000.
The organization was founded in 2002 by MaryEllen Locher, a well-known WTVC news anchor and health reporter. She started the foundation because she was concerned about the future of her own son. Ms. Locher died of breast cancer in 2005 after her third bout with cancer.
“Many of our lodge members have wives, mothers and sisters who have dealt with breast cancer,’’ said Nathan Cartwright, one of the ride organizers. “We want to use a hobby we enjoy to support families affected by this disease.’’
Riders can register in person on Sept. 5 or pre-register by emailing Cindy Pare, foundation administrator, at cindy@melfoundation.org. Registration information is also available by calling 423-490-4555.
Funds for the MaryEllen Locher Foundation are raised through special events, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and private grants. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible.
In 2014, the organization launched “Mel’s Club,’’ a breast health awareness and education program for teen girls. Presentations are available for schools, churches, civic organizations and clubs.
For more information about the MaryEllen Locher Foundation or to schedule a “Mel’s Club’’ presentation, contact Mrs. Pare at the email address above. Visit the website at www.melfoundation.org or find more details on the foundation’s Facebook page.