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 While the fundraising trip from Chicago to Springfield was
organized by the Canaryville group, members of A.B.A.T.E and Rolling
Thunder also participated. Rolling Thunder is a motorcycle
organization dedicated to veteran’s rights. A.B.A.T.E. is an
educational group that spreads the word to the public about safe
motorcycle practices. They also raise money for Christmas presents
for kids.
David and
Laura Whiteside of Marengo. David is the treasurer of his
chapter of Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle advocacy group for
veterans.
Governor
Rauner and members of Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle group
that advocates for veterans rights. |
According to Judy Kaenel of A.B.A.T.E., the funds raised on Saturday
will be donated to the Chicagoland and Lincolnland Honor flights.
 Rauner stated that the ride on Saturday would bring in approximately
$10,000 for the Honor Flight program. Each rider contributed $10 for
the day, and Rauner personally provided a double-match for each 10
donated.
The ride had begun in the northern part of the state early Saturday
morning. The group made stops along the way in several of Illinois
smaller communities such as Dwight and Pontiac before arriving in
Atlanta.
Escorted by a motorcycle security team, the group of motorcycles
filled the main street of Atlanta and snaked around the corner
filling up the next block as well.
Atlanta
resident and director of the Logan County Development
Partnership, Bill Thomas (left) welcomed Governor Bruce
Rauner and the motorcylists. |
When Rauner departed from his bike, he enjoyed a few minutes of
speaking with local folks who had turned out to great him. Included
in the list were Bill Thomas, the Executive Director of the Logan
County Economic Development Partnership, Randy Brooks of the Atlanta
Library Board of Directors, and Dr. David Hepler, Chairman of the
Logan County Board.
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Rauner also visited with local business owners, and one local man in
particular, Robert Ford, a veteran who served immediately after
World War II.
Rauner was also invited to have a seat behind the wheel of a very
sharp classic Corvette that had been brought into town. He also
spent time taking “selfies” with several who were in attendance from
the Atlanta area.
For the bikers traveling with Rauner and the Canaryville Club, the experience
held some surprises of its own. One couple spoke about the ride down saying it
was quite a treat to have a security escort. They noted that the troopers who
were riding in the front of the parade blocked off roads along the way, allowing
the bikers perhaps the first time in their lives, a ride without worry of cars
pulling out of crossings in front of them.
The Governor
and the staff of the Palms Grill Café on Route 66 in
downtown Atlanta. |
During their stop, several of the bikers made their way over to the Atlanta
Palms Grill for a quick refreshment. The grill on that day was serving up their
version of the hottest, spiciest burger in the country. With a variety of hot
sauces, pepper jack cheese, and a super spicy cheddar, Luke, the manager of the
grill was hopeful that the governor would take the challenge of eating the
super-hot burger in less than 20 minutes. However, the governor’s schedule would
not allow for that. He did however, stop in at the Palms, and took a moment for
a photo op with the Palms Grill staff.
After departing Atlanta, the group traveled down Old Route 66 to Springfield and
the final destination at the Executive Mansion. Governor Rauner was throwing a
BBQ Saturday evening for the entire group.
[Curt Fox & Nila Smith]
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