CLOSING CEREMONY - About 80 riders arrived in Waseca the evening of July 25 after a three-day ride which took them across a wide swath of southern Minnesota. The Ride for Fund 85 raises money toward an American Legion program which provides money to help veterans experiencing a financial emergency. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently
Bikers help fund support for veterans
Thu, 07/30/2026 - 10:45am
When 40 or more motorcycles pulled into Waseca Saturday evening, they were finishing a three-day ride that had taken them from New Ulm to points as far west as Pipestone and as far east as Adams, stopping at American Legion halls in many communities along the way.
According to event treasurer Jill Davis, a member at the Brooklyn Center American Legion, well over $61,000 in donations were received overall, with more than $27,000 presented during the closing ceremony which took place in Waseca. Ride chair for the 2026 ride was Jody Hassing, a member at a Bloomington American Legion.
Hassing explained the Waseca organization had volunteered to host the closing ceremony; a meal was served and live music was offered outdoors during the evening. Local Legion organizations donated generously, with the Legion Auxiliary giving $1,000; the Legion Post $500; the Waseca Riders $1,000; and the Sons of the American Legion donating $250.
Fund 85 is a project of the Minnesota American Legion Veterans Assistance Foundation (VAF). An online explanation reveals the program, “was established to help Veterans in need. It is for when struggling veterans do not qualify for other assistance programs or — even when they do qualify — there are times those programs take so long they end up being too late to actually help.”
The website goes on to explain a veteran “in dire straits” can quickly receive a maximum of $5,000 in grants.
The Fund 85 Run takes place each year in July, and alternates between routes in northern and southern Minnesota. “It’s never the same route twice,” clarified drive chair Hassing. A “road captain” for each ride begins investigating possible routes early in the year. Along with distances and quality of roads, the number of available hotel rooms in various communities is a factor. Stops are arranged in towns where there are Legion halls; the locations for the start and finish are selected based on which organizations are willing to host the events.
To properly honor veterans, Hassing said, the rides are “dry,” meaning no liquor is consumed at the daytime stops.
Any veterans interested in finding out more about the Veterans Assistance Fund should begin by speaking with the Legion chapter. Membership in the Legion is not required.