[B]Kelsey Charity Run in Bridgewater NJ[/B]

[LarryM]

Kelsey Charity Run set for Sunday in Bridgewater NJ

SOMERVILLE NJ — An annual motorcycle run aims to raise $100,000 Sunday to benefit local charities and families in need.

If the weather is nice, more than 2,000 people are expected to participate in The 14th Annual Kelsey Charity Run, Motorcycle Rally and Picnic, according to Jim Cookingham, president of the the Kelsey Charity Run Inc. The annual Kelsey Run is held on Father's Day, and is sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association.

Last year, 1,743 people attended, despite a rainstorm before the event.

The Kelsey Charity Run began in 1995 as a way to help Kelsey Kirchner, who was diagnosed at age 2 with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Retired Bridgewater Police Chief Richard Voorhees helped organize the event as a way to raise money for the Kelsey Fund, which was organized by Lincoln Hose Company No. 4.

Kelsey, now 17, is in remission.

The Kelsey Charity Run now also helps other local families battling serious illnesses.

The event also includes a raffle, with a first prize of a 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and a second prize of a Sony LCD television. One thousand raffle tickets will be sold at $50 each.

The run starts at the Polish Eagles on E. Main St. Motorcyclists can participate in an escorted run or a lime run.