Area motorcyclists ride for 'Dean,' Hospice
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Everywhere you look there's a fundraiser. From golf classics to walk-a-thons to art auctions, organizations are finding ways to obtain donations for a good cause.

Rich Brown is no different in his desire to raise money for his chosen cause. However, his fundraiser is somewhat unorthodox.

"Everyone holds walks and golf outings," he said. "I wanted to do something different.

"Different" is a motorcycle run and concert event to benefit Hospice, an organization Brown grew to appreciate while his younger brother Dean was in its care. Dean lost his battle with esophageal cancer in February.

The first ever "Doin' it for Dean Concert and Motorcycle Run" will be held Saturday, Sept. 8 at Club Infinity, 8166 Main St., Williamsville.

"Everybody in my family rode, my mom, my dad and my brother and I," Brown said. "We were all involved in that lifestyle, so a motorcycle run was a way that we could honor him.'

Though the main event is the motorcycle run, which will depart from Club Infinity at 11 a.m. and proceed to Ellicottville and back by 2 p.m., other activities will allow everyone, not just those who ride motorcycles, to enjoy the day.

Those riding in the motorcycle run will assemble at Club Infinity at 10 a.m.

Tickets for the event are $25 presale and $30 the day of the event. The ticket price includes entry fee for the run, admission to the third annual Hard Tales Magazine Motorcycle Expo 2007, a concert with six bands, including Elvis tribute artist Terry Buchwald, Stone Soul Foundation, Allman Brothers tribute band Revival, Silver Xtreme, klear and the Patti Parks Band.

Headlining the music will be Mark Farner, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad.

"I have access to many national acts," Brown, a veteran of the music industry, said. "The environment of motorcyclists is more bluesy and classic rock, so I wanted to find an act that fit into that category."

Also featured at the event will be vendors, displays, contests, a beer tent, dunk tank, smash car, DJ and awards.

Prizes and gifts will also be available to all those who attend.

While the theme of the event is motorcycles, Brown stressed that the event is to raise money for a worthy cause and "walk, drive or ride; everyone's welcome."

"For a bad situation, it was very comforting," Brown said of his experience with Hospice. "I think it was very soothing for him in his last weeks, and it taught me how to deal with everything. I think he was able to feel at peace before leaving us."

Tickets are available at all Tickets. com locations, Tops Supermarkets and the Club Infinity box office.

For more information on the motorcycle run or concert, call the Club Infinity Box Office at 565-0110.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com