Bikers raise money for Autism Awareness in a benefit ride across 3 states
Along with the bikes there were a handful of Jeeps that wrapped the end of the ride from Joplin's Cycle Connection to Indigo Sky Casino in Wyandotte, Okla.
JOPLIN, Mo. – The Ride for Autism Awareness began Saturday morning at Joplin’s Cycle Connection at 10 a.m. where more than 100 bikes rolled out traveling west on 7th/MO-66. It took about an hour to reach the final destination along US-60 at Indigo Sky Casino in Wyandotte, Okla.
Along with the bikes there were a handful of Jeeps that wrapped the end of the ride.
#Ride4AA t-shirt and merchandise and registration proceeds benefit area school foundations to create and maintain sensory rooms.
“So many schools are struggling to keep up with the demand on special needs programs.
There are all kinds of facts and data out there on Autism numbers but we’ve personally watch our son’s special needs classrooms go from 3-5 kids to 10-15 kids over the past few years and we never thought about the impact that has on our schools financially.
When we’ve donated to these programs, we see the excitement from directors and teachers. We know donations are so greatly appreciated and used for exactly what we’ve asked them to be.
Donations are impacting these kids and kids in the future.
Autism Awareness & Acceptance will always be our first goal but if we can help our schools, teachers and kids that’s a win win!” – Shaun & Amanda Hampton, Ride for Autism Awareness
WHAT ARE SENSORY ROOMS? “A therapeutic space with a variety of equipment that provides students with special needs with personalized sensory input that helps these children calm and focus themselves so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. The coolest part is now these rooms are also used by any student needing a therapeutic space.” – Ride for Autism Awareness
Shannon Becker was born and raised in Joplin and began in radio before graduating from Joplin Senior High in 1990. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Missouri Southern State University (1994). Before launching Joplin News First in 2017, he worked in television and radio, overlapping a career in the music industry. He worked with major music artists for 20 years, garnering gold and platinum records to his credit. He comes to KOAM 7 News Now-CBS/FOX (Morgan-Murphy Media) with more than 30 years in media and entertainment. He previously worked for KOAM. He has five children and two grandchildren.
