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PFC Dwyer Suicide Prevention Motorcycle Poker Run set for Saturday

Submitted Photo The PFC Dwyer Suicide Prevention Motorcycle Poker Run raises awareness for suicide prevention.

FALCONER — The Second Annual PFC Dwyer Motorcycle Run for Suicide Prevention will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Harley Davidson of Jamestown, 1951 E. Main St. in Falconer, with registration starting at 10 a.m. and kick stands up at 11:15 a.m.

The cost to register for the ride is $20 per motorcycle and $15 per rider. Registration includes a barbecue chicken dinner. This Dwyer Run was organized to raise awareness about suicide prevention for veterans as well as the local community. Money raised will be used for local suicide prevention efforts through the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Constance project, an equine and human behavior training program for veterans and their families.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran’s Peer to Peer Program is a non-clinical program that brings veterans together through activities for peer support. The program’s goal is to offer opportunities for veterans to meet other veterans living in similar situation through social activities provided at no cost to the veteran. The peer support has proven to be successful and there are many options available to meet individual interests of the veterans.

“The program utilizes peer support from those who can relate to the struggles of transitioning into civilian life,” said Cindy Reidy, coordinator of the Dwyer Program. “We are thrilled to have these wonderful partnerships with The Community Alliance, Chautauqua Tapestry, Veterans of Modern Warfare, Brothers by Choice and several other local partners. We all have common goals and values and together, the number of veterans that we can reach is innumerable.”

“The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention recognizes the importance of reaching out to our local Veterans and is happy to be included in the planning of this important awareness event,” said Victoria Patti, coordinator of the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “We know that 22 veterans die by suicide every day and that is 22 too many. The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to protecting and promoting life by fostering shared responsibility through raising awareness and community support through events like the Dwyer Motorcycle Run. We hope that this event can help spread the word that help is available right here in Chautauqua County and veterans and other community members are not alone. The Alliance is honored to work with the passionate members of the planning committee and those that are involved in the Dwyer program. It is amazing what you can do with a team who is so giving and wanting to help others.”

Harley Davidson of Jamestown has donated the space for the event. Live music by Afraid of Human, a basket raffle and 50/50’s will take place along with a chicken barbecue, provided by the Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 20, Inc. Chicken dinners will be available to the public for $10 each at noon.

PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program and The Community Alliance planned the Run for Suicide Prevention with Chautauqua Tapestry, Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 20 and Brothers by Choice, along with other community organizations partnering for this event. The committee is looking forward to a great turnout to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer or would like to donate a basket for the basket raffle, please contact Reidy at 661-8447. For additional event information, you can search under the events tab at: www.facebook.com/DwyerChautauqua, www.facebook.com/thecommunityallianceforsuicideprevention, or www.cyberspokes.com.

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