RUSSELL-Chester resident Dawn Von Deck “loves to ride motorcycles and give money away,” and her passion is shared by her fellow members of COBB of River Valley.
Von Deck and her husband Richard are among the 25 current members of COBB, nicknamed “Crippled Old Busted Bikers.” The nonprofit has a simple mission – “we look to have fun, help others and enjoy each other’s company all in the name of doing good for the public.”
COBB members will be hosting a House of Hope Ride on July 14, rain or shine, which starts and ends at the Russell VFW, General Knox Post 6645, on Huntington Road. Registration is planned from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. with kickstands up at noon.
COBB of River Valley members, including Paul Sporbert (seated), who serves as president, were welcomed by Joe Kane, program director of CHD Cancer House of Hope, on a recent evening to take a tour. COBB members are sponsoring a House of Hope Ride July 14 and encourage bikers to join them.
All proceeds raised from this ride will benefit the CHD Cancer House of Hope in West Springfield, which serves area residents of all ages who are battling cancer with unique programs and services.
The rider donation to participate is $25 and $15 for a passenger. For persons interested in only attending the pig roast party that will also feature raffles, vendors and a 50/50 drawing, the cost is $15. The menu also includes beans, cole slaw and corn bread. The Westfield band Tied Down will also be donating their time to provide entertainment during the festivities.
“COBB uses the Russell VFW often as a venue for many reasons,” said Paul Sporbert, COBB president. “First, it’s a good size to be able to stage the start of the ride and parking for after the ride. Secondly, we like to support the VFW because if these places aren’t supported they will disappear and events like ours will not be able to exist.”
Sporbert encourages area residents to join the riders – or attend the pig roast – to support the Cancer House of Hope.
“The people who help out at the Cancer House of Hope are all volunteers,” said Sporbert.
Sporbert noted that COBB is a social club that has two chapters.
“We are a group of men and women that enjoy each other’s company and ride motorcycles together,” said Sporbert, adding they also enjoy conducting fundraisers. “The River Valley chapter started in March of 2015 and in that short time we have had fundraising events like motorcycle rides, a comedy show, pool tournaments and pasta nights.”
Sporbert said the group conducts fundraisers for different causes throughout the year – including “adopting” one or two families at Christmas to ensure there are presents for the children.
Darlene Woloss and Maria Dowgiewicz model the custom made leather jackets that COBB members wear during bike runs.
“Our members put a charity of their choice in a basket and we randomly draw a charity to support,” said Sporbert.
Sporbert said there is one stipulation to becoming a member of COBB.
“To qualify you have to have fallen off a bike and had the courage to get back on,” he said.
The brotherhood and sisterhood of the group is apparent after only talking with members for a few minutes.
Tom Smith of Westfield, chair of the bike ride, joined the group last year.
“It’s a great group of men and women who raise money and give away every dime we take in,” said Smith.
Richard Von Deck, who serves as treasurer, echoed those sentiments.
“We have raised $35,100 to date,” said Von Deck.
Jason Valles of Palmer noted the group has a unique mission.
“It makes me proud to be a part of COBB,” said Valles. “Nowadays it is important to give back and 100% of what we raise goes to the charity.”
Ray Utenis of Otis also enjoys his time spent with COBB members.
“Life has been good to me and I want to give back and I enjoy being around like-minded people,” said Utenis. “We laugh and have a good time together.”
Paul Bigos of Becket said he also wanted to recognize the “great leadership” found in COBB.
“There is great leadership here that takes all of the responsibility very seriously,” said Bigos.
For Gene Giuliano and Maria Dowgiewicz from South Windsor, Conn., who ride together – in life and on motorcycles – COBB has become a “big family.”
“This is my big family,” said Giuliano, adding he was attracted to the group because of their mission.
Dowgiewicz concurred.
“Not only are we a big family,” said Dowgiewicz, “these strong women are an asset to the group.”
Dennis and Debbie Pike of Southampton, who were recruited by a COBB member in June, have also found a new home with those who share their passion of riding.
“They do a lot of good things for charities and everyone feels like family,” said Debbie Pike.
“We would highly recommend joining COBB,” added Dennis Pike.
“Amazing” is how Lisa Huntoon of Westfield describes being part of COBB.
“It is amazing how everyone goes above and beyond for all charities we support,” said Huntoon.
Darlene Woloss of Brimfield agreed with Huntoon and noted the social club is there for each other.
“We are a family, we have fun, we support functions and we also support each other,” said Woloss, noting several members have been dealing with “serious” health issues. “We are like glue supporting each other.”
Woloss added that the COBB members are from all walks of life.
“We are all working career people, from hairdressers, postal workers and nurses to an airline pilot,” said Woloss.
During the gathering at the Cancer House of Hope, COBB members met with Joe Kane, program director, who gave them a tour of the house that sits prominently at 1999 Westfield St.
During the tour Kane noted that the program is 100% community funded.
“We rely on donations, grants from community partners, and two major fundraisers each year,” said Kane. The two major fundraisers are the May golf tournament and the Luminaria event in November.
“For a group like the Crippled Old Busted Bikers to add to this is a huge bonus for us, inserting an additional fundraiser into the mix to fill in gaps that often occur as regular donors face other demands and challenges,” said Kane.
Kane said the program provides more than 1,500 individual services each year, with 350 to 400 newly diagnosed patients “finding their way to our door for strength, care, and hope.”
An additional massage therapist and yoga instructor have also recently joined the program to meet the increasing demand for services. Also, Kane will be working with a group of parents of children with cancer this summer to identify resources that could be provided.
“I want to say thank you to COBB members,” said Kane. “Your support not only helps to fund our programs and services for people affected by cancer, but also helps to spread the word that we are here. Cancer affects all of us – whether it’s personally, or a friend/loved one – and until the day we are able to eradicate it altogether, the Cancer House of Hope is here and available for those who need us.”
For more information on COBB or the House of Hope Ride, visit www.cobbofrivervalley.com or on Facebook at COBB of River Valley Supporters, or send an email to [email protected]. For more information on the CHD Cancer House of Hope, visit www.chd.org/cancerhouseofhope or call (413) 733-1858.
