Westmoreland motorcycle ride will benefit nonprofit Amanda’s Heart Foundation
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During Amanda Ooten’s struggle as a quadriplegic affected by cerebral palsy, her mother Linda said it seemed like whenever the family needed help, someone was there to provide it.
“I’ve always felt like those who give, get double back in blessings,” said Linda.
Linda and Ooten, 27, of Wall, used the coronavirus stimulus checks they received from the government to start a nonprofit foundation.
On July 9, a charity motorcycle ride will benefit Amanda’s Heart Foundation, a nonprofit set up to provide assistance to individuals with physical, intellectual, mental or developmental disabilities and the staff members who support them.
The foundation was created with the help of another local nonprofit, Gene Cook Supports, which has a similar mission.
“Amanda was in the hospital for three months before we started the foundation, and it’s a blessing that she’s still with us,” Linda said. “She wanted to do this in the worst way, and we wanted to help.”
Linda reached out to her brother, Rich Heasley of North Huntingdon’s Ardara neighborhood, a member of the Trafford American Legion Post 331 Riders group.
“She asked if the Riders would get involved, and of course I said yes,” Heasley said. “And actually, the whole American Legion ended up getting involved, from the Riders to the Sons and the auxiliary.”
Registration for the ride will start at 9 a.m. at the Trafford Legion, 216 Cavitt Ave., with riders heading out at 11 a.m.
“We’ll run up Route 130 and hit 22, cross 981 and 982 and then stop at the Legion in Ligonier, head up over the hill to Jim & Jimmie’s in Johnstown, then back down Route 30 to the Latrobe Legion,” Heasley said. “We’ll stay for about 45 minutes at each stop.”
When riders get back to the Trafford Legion, the doors will open at 4 p.m. for a post-ride celebration which non-riders can also attend for a $10 donation.
The admission fee includes food, drinks and a DJ, and there will be a 50/50 drawing and Chinese auction.
Registration for the ride itself is $25 per driver and $10 per passenger. Proof of insurance and a signed waiver is required to participate.
Ooten said she’s grateful to the members of the four participating American Legions for helping to make the run possible. Heasley said he is excited to have the Trafford Riders group leading its first charity run.
“It’s just going to be a really good time, and we have some surprises for Amanda in store as well,” he said.
For more, see AmandasHeartFoundation.org.