'Ride the FIN' fund-raiser blasts off in Sylvania

BLADE STAFF

Riders depart Toledo Harley-Davidson on the Ride for Families in Need. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER Enlarge | Buy This Photo

The second annual “Ride the FIN,” event, a 90-mile escorted motorcycle ride and after-party, was designed to help raise money for Sylvania Area Family Services.

The agency provides social services such as emergency food and housing, after-school programs, and summer camps.

SAFS executive director Jason Robertson said demand for their services has risen 33 percent between 2008 and 2011, when they helped over 6,000 individuals.

"Funding is always a critical need", said Robertson, "so [we are] creating more opportunities to reach different people in the community [for support]."

PHOTO GALLERY: Ride the FIN

After an escorted ride at noon today, participants went to Village Inn, 4984 North Holland-Sylvania Rd., to celebrate with live music, a raffle contest, and a silent auction.

Eighty to 100 people participated in the ride.

Attendees of the event had the opportunity to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle. It was the second year for the event.

Lucas County Sheriff Department and the Sylvania Township Police Department provided the escorts for the ride.

For more information about the event’s proceeds, visit www.ridethefin.com.

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