By Kris Leonhardt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – An Aug. 18 motorcycle rally will raise funds, while providing community interaction, and provide an opportunity for residents at Our House Senior Living to have the ride of their life.

“The idea roared into action during a conversation of ‘bucket list’ items by two of our residents – Vivian Heidman and Betty Celich, who has since passed away,” explained John Peretz. “Simply put, they always wanted to ride on a motorcycle.

“Tammy Lukomski, the assistant residence director at Our House Senior Living, and a motorcycle enthusiast herself, put together a group of riders to come together and offer sidecar rides to anyone who wanted one. The turnout for the event was much larger than anyone thought, and this year will be even bigger. Last year – 2017 – was the first year.”

Peretz said that the rally is more than providing residents with a source of fulfillment; it is also an opportunity to bring the residents and the public together.

“The concept behind the rally is to create a bridge between the seniors living at our residence and the community at large,” he said. “We want our seniors to be able to enjoy all sorts of activities at any age, and to have fun.

“It’s a great way for the residents to get up close to some amazing motorcycles and the people who ride them. There is live music, food, and free motorcycle rides.”

The benefit will take place Aug. 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Wisconsin Rapids Assisted Care, 2941 16^th St. South, Wisconsin Rapids.

The money raised through the rally is evenly split between the Alzheimer’s Association and the Our House residents’ activity fund.