La Crosse’s Thunder Ride raises $51,000 for juvenile diabetes programs

A yearly motorcycle ride in the La Crosse area raised more than $50,000 this summer to help juvenile diabetes programs.

Rod’s Ride On Powersports presented a $51,013 gift from the Thunder Ride to the Gundersen Medical Foundation on Monday, about $5,000 above the amount raised last year.

Jen Buchner, a manager of Rod’s, thinks people are very much in the spirit of giving this year.

“I think with the pandemic, I think people are just really excited about doing stuff, and giving back to the community,” Buchner said. “COVID has really pushed a lot of people outside, and to do stuff outside, and to give back.”

Gundersen will receive about $40,000 of the ride proceeds, with Mayo getting the remainder

The money will be spent on medical equipment, diabetic supplies, and even “a camp opportunity for other kids who have a new diagnosis to help be with other children who have that same diagnosis, to be able to learn how to manage their new condition,” Jon McKenzie, a major gifts specialist for Gundersen, said.

The Thunder Ride will mark its 20th year in 2022.