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One Call Away event supporting veterans, first responders

Law enforcement officers are seen escorting the participants in the bike ride at a past One Call Away event. (Photo from One Call Away Foundation)

SOUTHWICK – On Saturday, the 3rd Annual One Call Away Bike Ride and Barbeque will take place at Whalley Park.

People will have a variety of events to choose from beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a motorcycle ride leaving from Whalley Park. The ride will be a 70-mile trip through Granville, Otis, Huntington, Westfield, and back to Whalley Park. Participants of the ride are expected to be back at Whalley Park around 1 p.m. Officers in the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department will be escorting the participants for the trip. It costs $20 per ride and $15 per passenger.

A barbecue lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and will cost $10 per person and $30 per family. Dave Sutton, Founder of the One Call Away Foundation, is optimistic the family deal will be a great opportunity for families.

“This way big families can still come out and have a good time without spending $100 to do it,” said Sutton.

After the barbecue has concluded, people are encouraged to head to the Gristmill Plaza on College Hwy for the start of the First Responder’s Parade. Local police, fire, and other organizations will be in the parade and travel east on Feeding Hills Road to Powder Mill Road and then back to Whalley Park.

Motorcyclists are lined up and ready to go prior to the bike ride at a past One Call Away event. (Photo from One Call Away Foundation)

Sutton encourages anyone in the community to attend the parade to show their support for first responders.

“It’s a great opportunity to let them know that we appreciate what they’re doing 365 days a year,” said Sutton.

Included in the event at Whalley Park, there will be a number of veterans-based organizations in attendance to give military veterans and their families available resources. Some of the organizations include the Home Base Program of the Boston Red Sox Foundation, Clear Path New England, Veterans Services in Westfield, and Project New Hope.

Established in 2016, the One Call Away Foundation hosts events like the bike ride and barbecue in order to give the best benefit possible to veterans.

“It’s a one-stop resource for veterans that are looking for something that they need,” said Sutton. “This whole weekend is just to get people in front of what’s available for their families.”

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