Knights of Columbus rally to support camp for young burn survivors

SALT LAKE CITY — The Knights of Columbus are inviting motorcyclists to roll with them on Saturday, June 16 to raise money for the University Health Care Burn Trauma Center Youth Camp. It’s the second annual Knights of Columbus "Wild Ride" poker run with dinner, door prizes, and games – all to send young burn survivors to a place where they can enjoy outdoor activities and make friends this summer.

Registration and breakfast begins for the Wild Ride at 9:30 a.m. on June 16 at The Filling Station, 8987 West 2700 South in Magna. Riders will move to the first stop from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Piper Down, 1492 South State Street, Salt Lake City. The second stop is from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the No Name Saloon, 447 Main Street, Park City. From 3 – 4 p.m. motorcycle riders will make a third stop at The Other End, 1223 North Hwy 40 in Heber City. And the last stop of the evening is at Flirts, 250 West State Road, in Lehi, with dinner, prizes, and special guests – the Blaze football team mascot, "Chief" and the Harley-Davidson Blaze Dancers.

Registration is $20 for bikers and $10 for passengers. Registration includes a pin and dinner.

"We are hoping to attract at least 200 motorcyclists for this great event," said Brian Regan, Knights of Columbus ride chairperson. "It should be a beautiful day for a ride, and a great opportunity to give back to our community."

Motorcycle injury attorney George Tait, who is also a registered nurse working at the Burn Trauma Center added, "We really appreciate the Knights of Columbus supporting the Burn Camps for youth. Our camp program consists of a river raft experiences for youth ages 13-17. Camp provides a unique opportunity for young burn victims to enjoy some great outdoor activities like swimming, canoeing, camping and hiking with a special group of friends who are all burn survivors."

The annual Burn Camp River Rafting Expedition, which takes place in June, is a professionally guided float trip down the Green River through 87 scenic miles of Desolation and Grey Canyons. The group stops along the river to hike, swim, and visit ancient Indian petroglyphs. Daily activities focus on teambuilding and group play, and evenings provide time for sitting around the campfire, story telling, and sharing of burn experiences.

Burn unit staff members, including nurses, physical therapists, professional counselors, and local firefighters attend the camps, helping youth develop lasting relationships. Survivors return from camp having increased self-esteem, and better coping skills for dealing with their injuries.

For more information about the camps go to http://uuhsc.utah.edu/burncamp/.

The Wild Ride is sponsored by George Tait Law and the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Council of the Knights of Columbus, a non-profit service organization associated with St. John the Baptist Parish at the Skaggs Catholic Center, 300 E. 11800 S. Draper. For more information call Brian Regan at 403-6231.