2023 Motorcycle Ride raises $4200 for Project Lifesaver

For nine years, the Newport News Sheriff’s Office has hosted a motorcycle ride to raise money for its Project Lifesaver program.   2023 was the biggest yet – $4210.00 was raised from entry fees for 103 bikers and passengers, $1500 in donations, and raffle ticket sales. 

Sheriff Gabe Morgan told the riders he is grateful for their support to help keep this important program free for Newport News adults and children who need it.  He believes families who need this coverage shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for it.  

“I can tell you that when you have someone who wanders away because of dementia, autism, (Project Lifesaver) is a comfort. And the fact that all of y’all showed up in the numbers that you showed up, it’s heartwarming,” he said.

Sheriff Morgan then got on his motorcycle and joined the others for the ride.

The ride, which takes place in early October each year, leaves from Newport News Park and takes bikers on an hour-long trek through scenic areas of the Peninsula, including the Colonial Parkway and Yorktown Beach.

Currently, there are about 75 adults and children in the program.  They wear a device on their ankle or wrist that lets us quickly track them if they wander from safety.  It costs about $300 a year to monitor each client.  The NNSO has a 100% success rate in finding and returning a client safely to family.

If you live in Newport News and have a loved one with you who has dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, or other cognitive conditions,  and to download an application or call 757-925-8585 and ask that one be mailed to you. 

If you live outside Newport News, go to the Project Lifesaver International Website to see if the program is available.