Jamestown (CSi) the Annual Ride to Silence the Stigma has worked to raise funds for suicide prevention, over the past eight years. The ride will depart Sunday, July 17th from Stutsman Harley Davidson and end at Dani’s Place in Gackle where a meal will be served.

The 9th Annual Ride to Silence the Stigma will hold registration at 11 AM on Sunday, July 17th at Stutsman Harley Davidson. Cost is $20 per rider and $20 per passenger with all proceeds benefiting First Link and the 1-800-273-8255(TALK) suicide number.

Originally, the effort began when the family of the late Thomas Doyle, a veteran who had taken his life, helped form a committee to hold a motorcycle run in 2013. The Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club has continued holding the event beginning . Club member Monte Rodacker says the ride has always departed from Stutsman Harley Davidson, in Jamestown, where they they display 22 boots and crosses that signify the number of military suicides’ that occur every minute in the world. This year the footwear will represent different walks of life and issues that have led to suicide.

He adds ride is open to everyone, and motorcycle riders can be joined by anyone in cars, trucks, and other types of transportation.

While the ride has been held to silence the stigma surrounding suicide, Rodacker says he’s observed that more are open to discussing it and finding needed help.