Silent auction items needed for 13th annual event

By Robert Williams

Editor

The 13th annual Ole’s Ride is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, in Vergas. The motorcycle ride is a benefit and all proceeds go to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Last year’s event raised over $25,000, bringing the total donated amount over the past dozen years to nearly $200,000.

“Without every person involved and the generosity of the Vergas community, this event would not be possible,” Kris Barten, Ole’s wife and event organizer, told the Forum after last year’s ride.

The event is held in memory of Richard “Ole” Barten, who lost his battle to colon cancer in February of 2011. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Ole during his final months and the family created and continues the event each year to give back to an organization that cares for so many families in the area.

In 2021, there were 146 registered bikes and 260 people who participated, including registered motorcyclists, riders, road guards and volunteers, in the 140-mile ride through Minnesota lakes country.

The ride begins at Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas at noon. 

As a part of the event, there is a bike show and pre-registration the day prior, on Friday, Aug. 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Riders can register in person the day of the ride from 10-11:30 a.m., at Billy’s.

The cost is $25 per bike, $15 for an additional rider, and includes a T-shirt, meal and chances at door prizes at each stop on the ride around the lakes area. 

A meal, silent auction and live music by the Fat Cats follows the ride.

Items are needed for this year’s silent auction. To donate items or services for the auction contact Jessica Sonnenberg (218) 849-8995 or via email: jessicasonnenberg@team-ind.com or Heather Perrine at (218) 234-4450 or hperrine@frazee.k12.mn.us.

For more information on Ole and the history of the ride visit www.hrrv.org/category/donor-stories/

About Hospice of the Red River Valley

In 1981, Hospice of the Red River Valley was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality end-of-life care. We fulfill our nonprofit mission by providing medical, emotional, personal and spiritual care, as well as grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during a tender time in life. 

The staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever a patient calls home. The organization serves more than 40,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota, including in and around Bismarck, Detroit Lakes, Devils Lake, Fargo, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Thief River Falls, Valley City and many more communities. Hospice of the Red River Valley offers round-the-clock availability via phone, prompt response times and same-day admissions, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact us anytime at 800-237-4629 or www.hrrv.org.