Bikers from Rockford, IL, came together to raise almost $10K, split between two area animal rescue groups. The compassionate gesture honored the life of one of their members, an animal lover who passed away due to Covid.
Sometimes, bikers have a bad image, but these tough guys and gals on motorcycles actively help animals and their community.
“Sometimes bikers get kind of a bad image, and we like to shine a better image on it sometimes,” Chosen Crüe president Mark Eisenhauer told 13 WREX.
Helping animals is just one of the ways they help their community.
“Building a house for Habitat for Humanity. We used to do roadside cleanup. We gave away 40 Thanksgiving dinners at one our local churches,” Eisenhauer said.
Images via YouTube/13 WREX
Honoring Animal Lover and Biker Wendy Hacker
The effort to help the animal shelters honored Wendy Hacker, 47, who passed away due to Covid in 2020. She had a passion for animals, adopting and rescuing dogs and cats from local shelters. Then, she provided them with a loving home.
Her husband Mike is the VP of Chosen Crüe.
As Care for Pet’s stated, she was “a huge animal lover, and everyone knew it.”
“She was fantastic, loved animals,” said Hacker’s husband and Chosen Crue VP Mike. “I spent 10 years with her, and she’s still with me today.
Chosen Crüe members and animal lovers Mike and Wendy Hacker
Bikers Donate Thousands to Help Animals
The animal rescuers appeared with the bikers in the local news. As you can see in the video below, they were overwhelmed to receive such sizable donations. Now, they could care for the animals that often require expensive veterinary care. Due to the pandemic, they have been stretched to their limits caring for animals.
“I don’t have words for it,’ said Care for Pets’ executive director Stephanie Hicks. As a smaller organization, they rely on small donations, but this one would make a big impact. “This is huge for us,” she continued.
Marsha Brice, office manager for Noah’s Ark, said:
“We’ve got so many animals that we’re taking care of. Since Covid, we’ve taken in over 1,700 animals and helped them,” Brice explained. “This is going to go a long way for the future.”
On Facebook, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary thanked the bikers for their generosity.
“We cannot begin [to] show thanks for the INCREDIBLE donation to us and CARE for pets from the Chosen Crüe!! A wonderful group of motorcyclists with hearts of gold and a lot of love for animals.”
Carmella and Wendy Hacker
A Heartfelt Tribute
About two years ago, the Hackers adopted a dog named Carmella, which CARE for PETS helped rescue and rehabilitate. The dog’s prior owner threatened to abandon her, but the rescuers took her in and helped get her the eye surgery she needed.
Then, the local Animal Control adopted her to Wendy and Mike Hacker.
Carmella via Facebook/CARE for PETS
CARE for PETS shared the story.
“Friends…. we have to tell you about some AMAZING people that did an AMAZING thing as a tribute to a very loved woman whom they tragically lost,” they posted.
After Chosen Crüe held a fundraiser/run/memorial to honor Wendy, they donated nearly $10K in all to the groups.
“It is unheard of for our little, all volunteer-run organization to receive such a sizable donation,” they wrote. “We were brought to tears upon receiving it and talking about what that kind of money means in helping the most at-risk pets in our community. What an awe-inspiring gesture and a heartfelt tribute to a woman so near and dear to their hearts!”
Now, the group could help many more animals get the care they needed. What a wonderful tribute for Wendy Hacker and a kind, compassionate gesture for animals in need.
See more in the video by 13 WREX below:
Featured image: Cat on motorcycle by josuedorantes via Pixabay, Pixabay License with screenshot via YouTube/13 WREX
