The Butler County American Legion Riders braved the rain Saturday and rode for a cause.

The Riders, a group of veterans who enjoy motorcycles and aid other veterans, held its annual fundraiser Saturday.

Legion members and others taking the ride from VA Butler Healthcare to VFWs in Saxonburg, Ford City and Parker, and then to Post 243 in West Sunbury before heading to Post 778 in the Lyndora section of Butler Township.

A portion of the proceeds went toward a $12,500 endowment to Butler County Community College for an annual $500 scholarship for the college's veterans.

“It's the community's college, so obviously we have a significant portion of student veterans on campus, and it's just a natural that as a community college we'd want to work with (them),” said Bill Foley, interim coordinator of communications at BC3.

The endowment up front would have been $10,000, but is being paid over a 5-year period, so it is $2,500 annually for five years. This marks the third year of payment.

Once payment is made in full, the scholarship will be awarded perpetually, Foley said.

“It was just something that we started as our legacy,” said Dennis Christie, president of the group. “If the Riders dissolved somewhere down the road, that scholarship is still going to be there to help veterans.”

The Riders' financial secretary, Bill McNutt, said it is an “honor” to be able to aid veterans. Money raised at the Riders' annual fundraiser also goes toward aiding veterans with various household and vehicle needs.

James Miller, who was in charge of leading the ride, said before the event that the rain would not stop them, and that they would take a break if needed.

John Black, a Summit Township resident, U.S. Army veteran and Riders member, went on the ride for the second time Saturday. He said he enjoys riding motorcycles for “more or less the freedom” of it.

Carol Hazlett of Fenelton is not a veteran but came out to support the cause. She said she appreciates the camaraderie of the Riders.

“When you're riding, everybody's friends,” she said.

Tom Sheahan, a U.S. Army veteran from Butler Township, shared her sentiment.

“This is how we give back,” he said. “That's what's good about this. The group comes together and we're all one.”