Community Corner

Here's Why Livingston Motorcyclists Will Ride 300 Miles To Valley Forge

The motorcycle club will ride 300 miles from Livingston, N.J. to Valley Forge, Pa. where George Washington's army survived hunger and cold.

The Livingston-based motorcycle club recently rode to the site of the Woodstock Festival in Bethel, N.Y. From left to right: Ira Sessler, Paul Hauch, Dave Rom, Dan Savarese, Rudy Fernandez, Luis Jimenez and Andrew Kim.
The Livingston-based motorcycle club recently rode to the site of the Woodstock Festival in Bethel, N.Y. From left to right: Ira Sessler, Paul Hauch, Dave Rom, Dan Savarese, Rudy Fernandez, Luis Jimenez and Andrew Kim. (Ira Sessler)

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Diamondback Adventure Society of Livingston, a local motorcycle club, is embarking on a 300-mile ride to raise awareness of hunger, homelessness, "and the lack of resources for so many families living in nearby communities," said founder Ira Sessler.

They plan to embark on the journey on Oct. 23.

"The club chose a ride to Valley Forge, Pa. to show how suffering from lack of food and clothing is a 250-year old problem," Sessler said.

In the winter of 1777-1778, the third year of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army under General George Washington made camp at Valley Forge. There, the soliders and their families battled cold and lack of food. That winter was seen as a uniting episode in the war.

The club's riding day will be dedicated to support the charitable work of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) to help provide food, clothing and supplies for families living below the poverty line.

While parts of Essex County and well-off, the pandemic has devastated many families, particularly in less affluent towns nearby.

To make a donation to support Diamondback's and LPI's efforts to eradicate hunger and homelessness in the local community, please visit njhomeless.org and click on the special ride link.

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