NORWICH – This Sunday, the American Legion Riders from the Lt. Warren Eaton American Legion Post 189 in Norwich will be donning their leathers and climbing onto their bikes to support yet another good cause. This time it is the Norwich Family YMCA’s Open Doors Scholarship Program which will benefit from the motorcycle club’s continued desire to give back to the community.

“We participate in over 15 rides each year,” said the ride’s organizer, Jerry Reyes, who is a member of both the American Legion Riders and the Y.

This cause is different from most the motorcycle group supports, he said, as most of their fundraising and awareness efforts benefit those with illness or disability.

“This is a ride to help people stay healthy,” explained Reyes, who said that he and his fellow American Legion Riders fully support the Y’s mission of building strong minds, strong spirits and strong bodies.

“Jerry thought this would be a nice event to benefit the many people who need the YMCA scholarship program to utilize the YMCA and its programs,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen.

According to Mullen, between $85,000 and $100,000 has been allocated in scholarships during the last five years, helping as many as 600 people utilize the Y’s facility and services.