Elks ride raises funds for pets

SUSSEX BOROUGH — “If you can ride in the wind, you’re in,” said Bob Suker of the Hackettstown Elks Lodge #2331, as a long line of motorcycles roared into the Sussex Elks Lodge parking lot.
More than 150 riders came out to raise money for the Northwest New Jersey District Elks Pets for Vets Poker Run.
The event was hosted by Tramontin Harley Davidson in Hope, where the run began at 9 a.m., Sunday morning.
The motorcycle run then made stops at the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge and the Franklin American Legion Post, before culminating at the Sussex Lodge for an afternoon after-party.
Twenty or more venders were on hand for the event which featured food and live music, as well as a dunk tank, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle.
“It was chilly, but it was a nice run,” said Elks member Ashley Green, who made the trip with her boyfriend, Mike Outer.
“We had a good ride today,” said Outer.
This was the second year the NW district Elks have done a charity run. Last year was in support of the NJ State Elks Association state project at Camp Moore, in the Ramapo Mountains. Camp Moore offers an outdoor camping experience for children with special needs.
This year, the motorcycle run was in support of the North Jersey Chapter of Pets for Vets, a non-profit organization that matches shelter dogs with veterans.
According to the Pets for Vets website (petsforvets.com), the goal of the organization is to, “support veterans and provide a second chance for shelter dogs by rescuing, training and pairing them with veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.”
Currently, the VA does not provide service dogs for mental health conditions, but has started a research study to determine if service dogs can be deemed medically necessary. The study is expected to take several years to complete.
Figures from the ASPCA state that 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized a year. 670,000 dogs, and 860,000 cats.