The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University today (Sept. 18) will welcome riders from the first Ride Indiana, a 5-day, 500-mile cycling endurance event designed to raise awareness and support for veterans.
Produced by Wish for Our Heroes, a nonprofit that supports Indiana members of the United States military, the ride begins on Wednesday (Sept. 17) in Warsaw, Indiana and is expected to arrive at Purdue's campus at approximately 5 p.m. The riders will stop near Hanley Hall and be greeted by MFRI Director Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth and other MFRI and Purdue representatives.
At the conclusion of the day's ride, Wish for Our Heroes will present a check to a local veteran in need. The veteran will be on site to receive the gift, which will help her pay bills and provide clothes and supplies for her children.
"As an organization that works to serve those who serve, we are glad to welcome Ride Indiana to MFRI's home and help them make a difference to veterans in our community," said MacDermid Wadsworth.
On Friday, Purdue President Mitch Daniels will provide a send-off for riders as they begin the next leg of their journey from the Pay Less parking lot at 65 Beck Lane in Lafayette at 7 a.m.
Learn more about Ride Indiana here.