Lorie's Lakeside Century draws nearly 400 cyclists to benefit VNA

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Oct. 10, 2016 - PRLog -- On Saturday, September 17th, nearly 400 cyclists from all over the Midwest took to the roads through Porter County, LaPorte County and into Michigan to participate in Lorie's Lakeside Century, raising more than $15,000 in support of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA).

Lorie's Lakeside Century is named in memory of Lorie Kirkley, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Porter and an avid cyclist who lost her life to a violent crime in 1999. Proceeds from the ride benefit the programs and services of the VNA in Lorie's memory.

Riders raising $100 or more in support of their ride were able to have a memorial sign in honor of a loved one placed along the route. Rider Mandy LaFever raised over $1,100 in memory of her grandfather, Bill LaFever. "The VNA took such good care of my grandpa. He just passed away about 2 weeks ago. We miss him so much and wanted to do something to thank the VNA for helping him and our family," said LaFever.

Both serious cyclists and recreational riders biked along routes of varying distance from 26 miles to 100 miles which included unique rest stops along the way – Jackson Elementary School, with live entertainment from Wolffgang, Hobart High School's select choir and Carrie Kietzman of Hobart; Lakeview Pavilion in Beverly Shores, with a stunning view of Lake Michigan; Lions Club Pavilion in New Buffalo, a Lake Michigan view with an Elvis sighting and entertainment by VNA Hospice Chaplain Craig Forwalter; and, Firefly Farm, a 305 acre working farm in LaPorte County.

Following their ride, cyclists were treated to a "taste of the region" with pulled pork sandwiches, fresh roasted corn, and frozen custard from Culver's.

More than 90 volunteers, including VNA staff and volunteers, community volunteers, Porter County Radio Operators and students from local schools were on hand to register riders, serve breakfast and lunch, patrol the routes, man the rest stops, and even provide free massages.

Lorie's Lakeside Century was sponsored by Platinum Sponsors Porter Health Care System and Urschel Laboratories. Silver sponsors were Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics the Jones and Kirkley families, Family Express and Home Mountain Publishing. Bronze Sponsors were Calumet Crank Club, Shive-Hattery, Task Force Tips, Valparaiso Soft Touch Car Wash, DLZ, Lakeside Wealth Management, Prompt Ambulance, General Insurance Services, and Coastal Valley Water. Copper Sponsors included Martin Security Systems, Kaufman Chiropractic, and the Schoolhouse Shop.

The VNA is the most patient-focused provider of aging, hospice and grief support services in Northwest Indiana. VNA's services provide comfort, peace of mind, and superior care to families working through some of life's greatest challenges. Services include VNA Meals on Wheels and Lifeline, helping seniors remain safe and independent; Hospice care, providing comfort for patient's at end of life and support for their families; and, the VNA Phoenix Center, grief support for children, teens, and their families. For more information about VNA programs and services, call 219-462-5195 or visit www.VNANWI.org.