BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Retreat will host the second annual Ride for Heroes event on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Regisitration for the motorcycle ride starts at 10 a.m. The ride starts at 11 a.m. at the Brattleboro Retreat, and will take bikers on a route through southern Vermont's scenic hills and valleys, by rivers and historic villages.
Registration for the ride is $20 per person and includes both the ride and barbecue lunch on the Retreat campus. The first 200 riders to register will receive a free t-shirt.
This is the second annual Ride for Heroes aimed at supporting the Retreat's growing Uniformed Service Program (USP), which was founded in 2009 to offer specialized trauma and addiction treatment for people who are, or have been, active military, police officers, firefighters, veterans, EMS, and corrections personnel.
Professionals in uniform are known to be at higher risk for witnessing or experiencing life-threatening events and human tragedies that can lead to serious stress disorders and other duty-related problems with alcohol and drug addiction, anxiety, and depression.
“We are very proud of the growth of our Uniformed Service Program and the many people in uniform, present and past, who have sought help and treatment with us,” said Dr. Robert E. Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the Brattleboro Retreat. “We are now doing national work in helping so many of our veterans and brave first responders, police and fire fighters who put their lives on the line during every shift, but who rarely receive or ask for the help they need to cope with the stresses of the job.”
The USP has received national recognition for its work in treating men and women for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as studies show that all men and women who answer the call of duty are at higher risk for the condition.
“It is events like the Ride for Heroes that truly allow us to support and grow our Uniformed Service Program and work,” added Simpson. “We're looking for hundreds of riders to come and take part and enjoy a summer ride here from the Retreat all for a great cause to help our everyday heroes.”
The afternoon will include music and vendors as well as raffles and prizes with many items donated by local businesses. This is an alcohol- and smoke-free event, and will be held rain or shine. While participants must be 18 years of age or older to ride, all adult riders and types of motorcycles are welcome.
For more information and directions, please contact Biz Dana at 802-258-4318 or email [email protected], or visit www.brattlebororetreat.org/rideforheroes.