Nearly 200 bikes registered for the fifth annual Riding for the Cure event held in July, despite rainy weather. Next year's event will be held on Saturday, July 29. Riders left Rock Ann Haven and ended at Longhorn Corral. The event included a pig roast and live entertainment.

Riding for the Cure, a nonprofit breast cancer awareness effort, raised nearly $50,000, according to Butler Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Support Group coordinator Cheryl Schaefer.

From that total, $34,000 was donated to the Butler Health System Foundation, which funds the Butler support group, and $15,000 was donated to the Richard G. Laube Cancer Center at ACMH Hospital in Kittanning.

The money directly helps local cancer patients with their treatment expenses.

“We wanted the money to stay locally,” said Lynda Kerr, who began planning the annual July ride after hearing about her best friend’s experience with cancer.

Kerr’s friend had “great” insurance that covered the expenses, but Kerr knows not everyone is so fortunate.

Nearly 200 bikes registered for the fifth annual event that was held July 30, despite rainy weather. There were 309 bikes the previous year.

Riders left Rock Ann Haven, 141 Greenwood Drive, and ended at Longhorn Corral, 930 New Castle Road, where a pig roast awaited. There also were drawings and other fundraisers along with live entertainment.

The event is held on the last Saturday of July, rain or shine, but the nonprofit also holds other events, such as upcoming bowling nights.