Wentzville, MO – Crider Health Center has partnered with Gateway Harley-Davidson and Mungenast Motorsports to host their 1st Annual Cruisin’ 4 Crider Poker Run on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Motorcyclists across Missouri and Illinois are invited to participate in the event, a campaign to raise awareness about the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
“Just like bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, children and adults living with mental illness face the stigma of societal labels,” said Pam Imboden, marketing and development manager at Crider Health Center. “Often labeled as outcasts, those with mental illness live in the shadows—hiding their illness while enduring the constant pain of bullying and ridicule. Sadly, many living with mental illness never receive the help they need to live fuller, more productive and healthier lives.”
Like heart disease or diabetes, mental illness is treatable. By signing up for Cruisin’ 4 Crider, motorcyclists can help those with mental illness find the courage to step out of the shadows and into healthier lives by taking a stand against stigma!
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“One of the main reasons individuals with mental illness do not seek treatment is because they are afraid of how others will perceive them,” said Imboden. “We are working hard to eliminate this stigma and this poker run will let those with mental illness know that there is a whole community of motorcyclists who support them and are taking a stand against stigma.”
The event will begin at Mungenast Motorsports with coffee and donuts and end at Gateway Harley-Davidson with a celebration, prizes, raffles, food, and live music. The poker run will consist of stops that wind through Crider’s service area, which contains some of the most scenic areas west of St. Louis. All proceeds benefit Crider Health Center and will provide much needed services and programs to those in the community who need it most.
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The cost to register for the Poker Run is $25 per single rider or $30 for rider plus passenger. Sponsorships are available. For more information on sponsorships, contact Pam Imboden at 636-332-8327 or pimboden@cridercenter.org. To register, please visit our website at www.cridercenter.org or call 636-332-2134.
About Crider Health Center
Established in 1979, Crider Health Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides mental, primary and dental health services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have an income level at or below poverty. Crider Center has provided hope to almost half a million children, youth and adults in the St. Charles, Lincoln, Franklin and Warren Counties. Crider’s vision is Full, Productive, Healthy Lives for Everyone. To make a donation or for more information on Crider Health Center please visit www.cridercenter.org.