Harmony House Receives Donation from Pioneer Valley Harley Owners Group

CHICOPEE — The Pioneer Valley Harley Owners Group (HOG), based in Southampton, held its third annual Motorcycle Poker Run on Sept. 21 for the benefit of Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, a home for the terminally ill.

The event generated more than $12,400, all of which was donated to Harmony House during a recent presentation.

“There is no way large enough to convey our thanks to this generous and dedicated group for their support of the mission of Harmony House of providing a loving home and dignity to people in their last days of living,” said Amy Corcoran, president of the Harmony House board of directors.

Added Denis Martel, director of the Pioneer Valley Harley Owners Group, “our entire group has rallied around Harmony House ever since we met Ruth Willemain, the founder, a few years back, and learned of her dedication and passion for people who needed support. I’m happy to say that we’ve been able to donate over $35,000 since we began this charitable event. We all feel great about that.”

The Poker Run, beginning at Harley-Davidson of Southampton, ran through Holyoke, Granby, and South Hadley and ended at the American Legion Kennedy Post 275 in Chicopee. Denis Martel and Joan Rollins, event chairs, thank members of the committee and the HOG organization, along with American Legion Kennedy Post 275 and manager Phil Scott for donating the space, the Garage Fossils Band for their time and talent, and First American Insurance Agency, Jim Buddy’s Vape Shop, Westover Building Supply, Renovations by Bob Boudreau, Bernadinos Bakery, Frito Lay Co., 90 Meat Outlet, Chicopee Provision, Freihofer’s Thrift Shop, Wesley London Electrical, the Walsh family, and the many other donors and volunteers who contributed to making this event a success.

Harmony House is currently in the process of renovating a home in Chicopee. Staffed mainly by volunteers of all kinds — nurses, CNAs, caregivers, companions, and more — Harmony House is totally privately funded through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Contributions are accepted at all times.