MOTORCYCLE GROUP DONATES $2,000 FOR FOOD PANTRY

JACKSON -- Thanks to a donation from SEMO Field Events, a group of dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts, the Jackson Food Pantry will have months of nutrition for area needy.

Gilbert Leimer, Food Pantry manager, said the $2,000 donation, from the group, will keep a food supply in the pantry for four months. "We spend around $500 a month to keep food on the pantry shelves," said Leimer. "Some of our food, such as peanut butter, is free from the Bootheel Food Bank and the rest is bought at a reduced price. We can feed needy families and senior citizens for months on this donation."

He said those who use the pantry on a regular basis are normally senior citizens but he sometimes sees younger people. "Sometimes young people who lose their jobs or are on strike need our assistance," said Leimer.

Larry Campbell of Jackson and Andy Abernathy of St. Louis, members of the SEMO Field Events, presented the donation. They said most of the members of the group are Harley Davidson riders and compete in a field events weekend each year. The proceeds from the weekend provides funds the group donates to non-profit organizations.

"We have given to various organizations in the past few years," said Campbell. The Family Learning Center, Cape Girardeau Senior Center, Cape Girardeau County Parks, MS Society of St. Louis and MDA of St. Louis are a few of the other organizations who have benefited from the group.

Abernathy said in May the group will sponsor its 16th annual SEMO Field Events at Ruesler's Gulch. During the two-day event, May 17 and 18, more than 3,000 motorcycle riders and friends from seven states participate in contests, motorcycle events and live music. A portion of the money raised from a $15 per person charge is donated to charity.

Campbell said the event originated with Jackson resident, Bruce Roberts, with only a couple of hundred people. "It all started in Bruce's back yard; then it grew and grew," he said.

Abernathy said those who participate in the field events come to have a good time. "If we have bad weather and it rains it will not be so good; it's really a great event," he said.

Both men said the event takes a lot of time to plan. "It takes time away from home to organize the event," said Campbell. "My wife doesn't like that so much.

But Abernathy said the enthusiasm from the participants makes it all worthwhile. "One year we had a physician that asked if he could come into the event," he said. "We said, 'sure, everyone one is invited.' He has come back year after year and brought other physician friends with him."

Abernathy said the group wants to give something to the Jackson area residents. "We try to put money back into the area," he said. "There are a lot of poor people in the world; I've been there. We want to pass it on. It's nice to be nice when we can."

Leimer said anyone who meets the income guidelines for age and family size may use the Food Pantry the fourth Saturday of each month from noon to 3.