Legion Charity Ride Raises $1.1 Million for Scholarships for Children of Fallen Servicemembers, Disabled Veterans
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the third straight year an American Legion charity motorcycle ride
has raised more than $1 million in scholarship money for the children of
fallen military personnel and disabled veterans.
The 11th annual American Legion Legacy Run, sponsored by
USAA, raised $1,155,363 for The American Legion Legacy Fund. The Legacy
Fund provides college money for the children of U.S. military personnel
killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the
children of post-9/11 veterans with a VA disability rating of 50-percent
or higher.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am,” said Bob Sussan, chairman of The
American Legion Riders Advisory Committee and chief road captain for the
Legacy Run. “It’s hard work, but these are the fruits of our labor. It’s
because of the dedication to the kids.”
Nearly 300 Legion Riders and their passengers left Indianapolis on Aug.
21 and traveled 1,300 miles through seven states in five days –
traveling through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia
before ending up outside of Cincinnati. More than $555,000 was raised
before or along the ride, while another $600,000 was donated Aug. 30 on
the floor of The American Legion National Convention in Cincinnati.
The Minnesota American Legion donated $148,367 in Cincinnati, while the
Missouri American Legion contributed $90,834. Additional donations came
from the Florida American Legion ($72,480), the South Carolina American
Legion ($53,400) and the Wisconsin American Legion ($48,000).
In 11 years, the Legacy Run has raised more than $7 million for the
scholarship program.
Contacts
The American Legion
Henry Howard, 765-491-3545
