EXETER — Two events on Saturday brought Paint Pittston Pink supporters out to enjoy a good time for a good cause.
Despite an original forecast of rain, the weather fully cooperated, with many of those attending appreciative of the summer-like temperatures that provided a chance to fully enjoy the outdoors.
The organization’s inaugural motorcycle ride began at noon at Sabatini’s Pizza, with bikers making their way to Tunkhannock and through the Back Mountain, returning to the Greater Pittston area for a stop at Blue Ribbon Dairy.
Bikers then were on their way to the Susquehanna Brewing Company to conclude the event with adult refreshments and snacks.
Throughout the day, the brewing company was the site of a Festival of Life event, which offered the chance to “give a pint” of blood and “get a pint” to be filled with the beer of one’s choice, a blood donation opportunity celebrating the lives of Greg Policare and Brian Musto.
Donors were also given a chance to put their names on the national bone marrow registry.
Biking for a cause
Many of the motorcyclists gathered at Sabatini’s were not strangers to biking for a cause.
Joe Ferack, of Avoca, participated in the event with a group of friends, who not only enjoyed riding through the countryside on a beautiful fall day, but also raising money for cancer research.
Ferack said many participants had learned about the ride at other rides for charitable causes and were committed to spending their free time “biking for a cause.”
Brian Matyjevich, of Pittston, riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 900, said the event was one of many that provided opportunity for a weekend ride for charity.
“It’s a great chance to see a lot of familiar faces,” he said. “Most of us come out in groups of friends.”
Jim Homschek, a life-long Pittston resident and motorcycling enthusiast, said, “I’m pretty much part of everything that is happening in Pittston.”
Homschek was looking forward several stops on the ride’s route.
“Blue Ribbon, that’s something new,” he said.
Qiana Lehman, an organizer and one of the founders of Paint Pittston Pink, said the group’s committee came up with the idea of a motorcycle ride because it was consistent with its mission of gathering the community together to raise money for cancer research.
Lehman said about 10 Paint Pittston Pink volunteers were busy at the event, doing everything from assisting participants with registration to directing them along the route.
“We’re 100 percent volunteer,” she said of the Paint Pittston Pink effort.
Give a Pint, Get a Pint
At the Susquehanna Brewing Company about 10 minutes away, nearly 100 people gathered, not only for a chance to give blood and place their name on the bone marrow registry, but also for live music, good food, quality refreshments, a basket raffle and even a pet parade.
Jeremy and Mara Davis, of Pittston, gave blood for the first time and then headed out to the festival area to choose a beer and a snack.
“It’s something different,” Jeremy Davis said. “And you can look forward to a good perk afterwards.”
Paint Pittston Pink’s Erin Berlew said the event provided a chance to catch up with old friends while encouraging people to give blood and emphasize the importance of cancer research.
Brian Hajosch, event coordinator at Susquehanna Brewing, said the event, in its third year, offered the business the opportunity to showcase its beers, including seasonal ones.
“Octoberfest seems to be one of our best sellers today,” he said. “It’s a good cause and people are having a really good time.”
Berlew, who attended both events, said it was a great way to kick start the fall season for a good cause.
“It’s really a win-win,” she said.
