"Rally in the Valley" a Great Success
by Charles (AKA Orville) Wright
Ormond Beach, FL

 My best friend in high school (Newark Valley class of ‘75), Lew Warner who lives in Berkshire (a local police officer), along with a friend, John Breese, and I were wondering a year or so ago what some one could do to benefit people in the Tioga County area.

 Since we all ride motorcycles, and they were visiting me for Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, it was determined "Wouldn't it be great to get a little bit of ‘Bike Week' in Tioga County?"

 This year was the 2nd Annual Berkshire "Rally in the Valley." Approximately 55 motorcycles and numerous cars showed up for a hog roast, DJ, and a live band.

 A ‘Poker Run' was held, not to mention a lot of raffle prizes were donated, and many people walked away happy! 

 The event raised $550 which was donated to a little girl named Shannon Nelson, who has a rare, incurable, but treatable, blood disease called Gaucher (Go-shay).  

 A lot of people participated in this young happening, and I would like to see it grow! Hopefully in the future, it will see more people taking part and benefit people across the county.

 Donations can be made in Shannon's name at: NBT Bank, 2647 Main Street, PO Box 187, Maine, NY 13828.

 Thanks for your consideration and co-operation.