What happens when animal loving business owners team up with their animal loving staff?
For Dennis and Jan Martin, owners of Martin Moto in Boyertown, the result is a fundraiser called Ride for Rescues – a 1-hour motorcycle ride taking place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 4-8 p.m.
All proceeds from this event are being donated to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County.
“Jan and I believe in an animal’s right to a healthy and properly cared-for existence,” said Dennis. “We are fortunate enough to be able to give our own dogs a much better life than they had before and we would like to see as many unloved animals as possible end up in a happy loving home.”
The Martins are no strangers to helping rescues. Their first fundraiser was held in 2009. Ride for the Rescues will be the Martin’s second shelter fundraiser. Prior to adopting their Golden Retriever Bentley and a Miniature Schnauzer named Adam, the Martin’s had two previous rescues, a Golden Retriever (Phoebe) and a Bernese Mountain Dog (Becky). They truly know the unconditional love that these dogs show and anyone who has ever adopted from a shelter knows that these dogs are very special and thankful for a forever home.
The event will commence at Martin Moto, 1037 Unger Lane (567 Rt. 100 N), Boyertown between 4 and 5 p.m..
Riders will take part in a ride through the rolling hills of Berks County. Though directions will be provided, riders are encouraged to follow the arrows that clearly mark the route. Riders will return to Martin Moto for a wonderful feast on grilled sausage, chicken and more provided by The Italian Market of Skippack. Music will be provided by Coloursound, a band who hails from the Lehigh Valley/Pocono Mountain region. Coloursound’s music is best described as a mix of classic and original rock that has its roots in Scranton, PA and now plays throughout major cities in the US. Food and music will be provided from 5 to 8 p.m.
Any licensed rider is welcome to participate by pre-registering at <martinmoto.com> or by paying the $20 registration fee at the store on the day of the event and includes the ride, meal and music. Even if you do not ride and would like to show support for the ARL by attending the post-ride event, please arrive by 5 for the festivities. Cost is still $20 per person but children under 12 are free. Wristbands will be provided for all registered individuals. There is no alcohol served or allowed at this event. When the Martin’s approached their staff about a fundraiser for an animal shelter, it was overwhelmingly accepted. And why not? The staff knows the Martins’ love their dogs and most of the 24 employees are enthusiastic pet owners who also strongly believe in this cause.
Supporting dog parks, fundraisers or adopting their own rescue dogs, employees John Kates and his daughters Myrisa and Kayln have always held these causes close to their heart. No doubt, their rescues, Rocky and Rambo are thankful for their efforts.
All event proceeds beyond the cost of the music and band, will be donated to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, a non-profit animal shelter founded in the mid-50’s in Cumru Township.
The ARL maintains animal control for most municipalities in Berks County. Though cats and dogs are the most common animals that come thru the doors, the ARL also helps other critters such as birds, ferrets, fish, pigs, mini-horses, goats, turkeys and reptiles such as iguanas, turtles and crocodiles. They provide low cost vaccination clinics, dog training classes and a very special program called ARL Angels. ARL Angels, formerly known as the Grey Muzzle Foster Program, has helped hundreds of elderly or infirmed dogs and cats live out their final days with a human family in either foster or forever homes rather than a cage. There will be adoptable pets from the ARL, doggie treats, doggie wash, a pet photographer to photograph your dog on a motorcycle (with doggles), raffles and more.
Martin Moto will be open all day with full access to the showroom until 8 p.m. Motorcycle of all kinds will be on display: Suzuki, Triumph, Star, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Motus. Come out to support the Animal Rescue League on Aug. 22 while you enjoy a ride, food, music and dogs. For more information on Martin Moto or the Animal Rescue League, please visit their websites at <www.martinmoto.com> and <www.berksarl.org>.
