LANSING, Mich. –– State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) today encouraged Lansing-area motorcyclists to participate in the Second Annual MI-COPS/Fillmore Benefit Ride, a police escorted trip organized by the Lansing Chapter of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. The benefit ride will help raise funds for MI-COPS and the Perry Fillmore Fund, two charitable organizations that assist families of deceased public safety officials in mid-Michigan.

“This fundraising event is a great way to raise money for two compassionate organizations, MI-COPS and the Perry Fillmore Fund,” said Sen. Whitmer. “I urge any motorcycle owner to join in the ride and for others to support to these generous charities. By donating, we are ultimately helping the families of fallen law enforcement officials rebuild their lives, and also honoring these officials for their hard work and sacrifices.”

MI-COPS, the state chapter of the national organization Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The Perry Fillmore Fund was established after Deputy Perry Fillmore, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, lost his life in the line of duty in 2004. These funds assist Mid-Michigan area families of public safety officers in their time of need. The Lansing Warthogs are the local chapter of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club, which is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 with the primary goal of becoming a Public Safety motorcycle club.

MI-COPS/Fillmore Benefit ride is open to the public and those with motorcycles of any make or model. The ride begins at Champps Restaurant & Bar, located in Lansing’s Eastwood Towne Center off of Lake Lansing Rd. and ends at VFW Post 3033 in Mt. Pleasant, where all riders will receive a free lunch. Registration takes place Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Champps, or riders may register online at http://www.lansing-warthogsmc.com.

# # #