Riders raise $63,000 for veterans in need

By Tim Engstrom

Fund 85 Run donors thanked

Jody Hassing mugshot
Jody Hassing

PAYNESVILLE — The Minnesota American Legion Riders kicked off their big fundraising ride on July 23 at Forest Lake Post 225 and ended it at Paynesville Post 241 on July 26.

Over the course of the ride, they visited many posts, with overnight stays in McGregor and Walker. Riders Secretary Shawn Davis said they raised $63,000, and more donations are trickling in.

Jody Hassing, who is Fund 85 Ride chairman, said the final total will be announced at the Fall Conference.

“I want to thank each of the Legion posts we stopped at for their hospitality and donations,” she said.

Fund 85 is the Minnesota American Legion Foundation’s Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund. Department Service Officer Janet Lorenzo and Adjutant Mike Maxa are able to use the funds as a last resort for veterans unable to seek help through other existing sources.