We are "Bikers Helping Bikers"
If you or anyone you know are in need of help, contact us at:
imrfhelp@att.net
Welcome to our site. This site is dedicated to our fallen and injured fellow motorcyclists. This is a ground floor 501C3 non- profit organization founded by Steve Weston, a long time motorcycle rights activist, and Chris Green, a life-long friend of Steve. We are greatly concerned with the rapidly rising incidents of motorcycle accidents in Northwest Pennsylvania. We are embarking on a mission to help our injured brothers and sisters and their families in any way we can. We have very little in the way of funding, but we are hopeful that the ideas we have will allow us to raise the funds needed to help as many fellow riders as we can. It is our goal to be able to cover most of Northwest Pennsylvania including Erie, Crawford, Venango and Warren counties.
A brief run-down of the stats of the motorcycling phenomenon: in 1995 there were about 175,000 registered motorcycles on the road in Pennsylvania. Right now in 2009, that number has a little more than doubled! When we use to have no bike nights, now there are one to two 'Bike Nights' every night of the week! Charities of all types now look to the motorcyclists as a great way to raise funds. This is an awesome thing for those of us who ride. Events are overlapping each other with one to two events happening every weekend! We can remember a time when there was only one or two all summer long. Times ... they sure are a changin !!! It's a good change to say the least. Today's bikers are respected and appreciated, but it wasn't always that way. Just corner any old grey beard and they'll tell you about "way back when!"
Unfortunately, we can't have all these good things without a price being paid. There aren't too many riders out there who don't know of someone who's been knocked down by another LTI (Left Turn Idiot), or one more "I never saw him." Lets face the facts, increases in events equal increases in miles, and that equates into increases in incidents. We all know the costs involved, mentally, physically and financially. We are getting support across the board and the I.M.R.F. appreciates all of those showing interest.
Sincerely,
Steve and Chris
Steve, having been on a bike since the early 70's got involved as a motorcyclist rights activist in the late 80's. Spearheading one of the largest SAFETY and AWARENESS rallys in Northwestern Pennsylvania. You can't be as involved in motorcycling, as I have, without knowing thousands of bikers. I've been to the hospitals, paying visits way too many times. I've been to way too many funerals. The families and loved ones all have that same look of confusion and desperation . When our friend Terry got hurt it really hit home. Steve quickly learned about the hardships some families face. Terry Scheu, another long time friend of Chris and Steve, received severe head trauma in a bike accident in July of 2007. "When weeks of being unable to work turn into months, it can get ugly." Says Steve.
Chris and Steve payed many visits to Terry and had many conversations about doing a benefit. Terry said he didn't want the money and to use it to help someone else. Chris' flooring company and Steve matched the funds raised at the benefit, using the matched funds towards the founding of the I.M.R.F., and leaving the raised money for the sole purpose of helping others. One thing they realized was the immediate need for a little help. So they set out on going to hospitals and handing out gas cards and parking permits to the families of motorcycle accident victims. " It's very moving when you offer just a little bit of help and you see tears. This whole thing we're doing makes us feel really good inside." Says Chris. They want to do more and they need financial support so please help if you can.
We have assisted 46 motorcycle accident victims since January 2008.
If you would like to donate for a most worthy cause you may do so by clicking the donate buton which is done through Paypal or e-mail us at imrfhelp@att.net . We know that times are tough so any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
INTERESTED IN DONATING?
CLICK ON THE "DONATE" BUTTON!
We also have really nice pocket t-shirts with the above logo on the back for 20 Bucks.
Historic American Flag Raffle !!!
With several historic artifacts .
And the winner is........
Robert Dunlap of Girard Pa.
Thanks to all who participated in the Cycle City fundraiser !
About the photo:
To the left is John Farkas' Suzuki GSX R. To the right is my dearly departed brother Bob's 1964 Harley Davidson Duo Glide. I feel that the picture represents the message of, "Old or new. Foreign or domestic." This is what we are all about. We want to help ALL motorcyclists and their families.