Area motorcyclists to help family in need

"Something needs to be done," said Merrill native Randall "Snowman" Luschen at the monthly Independent Riders for Children and Charities (IRCC) meeting. "This family needs help. Think we should hold a fundraiser?"

As president of the IRCC, when Snowman talks, people listen. Within 10 minutes the initial planning had been done, and the event was set in motion.

Leather-clad bikers took turns volunteering to take on different responsibilities, notebooks in hand.

Details of the family in need weren't all that important to the IRCC members -- all they needed to know was that a Siouxland family was struggling and children were involved.

"The group's goal is to raise funds to help children in need in northwest Iowa," explained the group's secretary, Karen Paulsen, of Le Mars. "We can't help everyone, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try."

The event will be start at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Icky Nickel in Sioux City.

"This is open to the public," affirmed Paulsen. "The more people we get, the better."

The event officially begins games and activities (dart throw, pin the pony tail on the biker, etc.) to raise funds.

The band Hippie Go Lucky takes the stage later that evening.

"We love doing stuff like this," said band member Denny Nutt. "Any time we can help with a good cause, we'll do it."

If anyone would like to donate any money or items to be used as door prizes, call Snowman at (712) 540-3413, or bring them the day of the event.

To learn more about the IRCC, check the website at www.independentriderscc.com.