Video: High Desert Fallen Heroes Ride raises $10K

LANCASTER – The 12th annual High Desert Fallen Heroes Ride on Sunday raised approximately $10,000, organizers said.

The 50-mile ride in support of local fallen heroes and their families drew more than 200 participants, according to Lancaster Community Relations deputy Miguel Ruiz.

Participants first gathered at Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson in Lancaster for the singing of the National Anthem and to receive carnations in memory of fallen officers.  The group then traveled to the Antelope Valley Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Antelope Valley Mall, where the poker run began, Ruiz said.

Riders traveled to the U.S. Forest Service Angeles Station 32 on San Francisquito Canyon Road; to the California State Prison in Lancaster; to L.A. County Fire Station 130 in Lancaster; to the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station; and to the local California Highway Patrol office before heading back to Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson, according to Ruiz.

The event culminated in a celebration, featuring live music from the Bullfrog Blues Band, as well as food, drinks, a 50/50 raffle and auction.

In explaining the significance of the annual High Desert Fallen Heroes Ride, Ruiz said: “A lot of people in this community want a way to give their thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice of the first responders who have been killed here in the Antelope Valley. This is a good avenue for them to pay their respects, while at the same time, it’s an outstanding fundraiser to continue to support those families who lost their loved ones.”

All proceeds support surviving families of fallen officers from LASD, CHP, CDC, LACoFD, and the US Forest Service (Angeles National Forest).

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