Published July 26, 2019 | Rosemont, IL
This year, Culligan Cares provided water to hydrate the participants in the Annual Ride Out of the Darkness Bike Run in the Chicagoland area which raises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Through their events and fundraising, their goal is to raise funds for scientific research and provide resources and aid to those affected by suicide.
Culligan Cares was informed of the need for water at the Out of the Darkness Bike Run because of Bill Lathouris of Culligan in Rosemont. Bill is an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also a part of The Harbingers Motorcycle Association who hosts the event. Bill is one of the founding members and officers of this organization. Besides being a motorcycle riding group, they are also a brotherhood that supports each other as well as charity rides and causes.
According to Bill, “many of the riders and their families have been directly affected by suicide loss, so they came together to support the AFSP in their own way”. On June 23rd, 2018, the Harbingers Motorcycle Association started the Harbingers 1st Annual Ride Out of the Darkness Bike Run; similar to the AFSP’s Out of the Darkness walks. Their first year holding the event was a huge success in which the raised $5,000 directly for the AFSP.
The Harbingers Ride Out of the Darkness Bike Run is an event open to all motorcycle riders, and non-riders as well. After a scenic ride of about 75miles, the riders meet up where there is music, food/drink and raffles to continue raising money for a good cause. Culligan donated water this year for the riders to drink after a long day of biking in the hot sun. Bill Lathouris stated “the biker community is one of the most supportive and passionate groups you’ll find when it comes to supporting a cause or charity. We love to ride and help people and have a good time while doing it”.
This year, on June 29th, 2019 the group hosted their 2nd annual ride and have so far raised just short of $6,000 and will continue to be raising money towards their goal of $10,000 up until the AFSP Chicagoland Walk in September. To support the cause visit their donor page at: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=1916593
