Windsor, ON: Riders, fans, family, supporters, and friends gathered at Ciociaro Sunday to officially kick-off the 10th and final year of the Bob Probert Ride. The fundraising motorcycle event has raised much-needed dollars for both cardiac and mental health and addiction services at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and also paid tribute to Probert, the NHL tough guy supporting the region he called home.
“It’s been 10 amazing years where our family, dedicated Ride Committed, donors and sponsors can proudly say that over 1.2 million dollars have been raised in Big Bob’s name to support healthcare programs and services in Windsor-Essex, “ said Dani Probert, Bob’s wife and also committee chair of the annual event. The Ride, as it has been coined, has become not only a way to give back to the community but also celebrate and honour the athlete, friend, son, husband and most importantly father that was Big Bob.”
The 10th Annual Bob Probert Ride welcomed over 1200 riders first who gathered at Ciacario for opening remarks and pledge collections before heading off to three favorited stops around the region. The celebration concluded at Ciociaro where long-time family friend and local YourTV host John Fairley emceed telling familiar stories of his experiences with Probert.
New in 2022 was the introduction of a Classic Car Show, also a passion of Probert’s. His cherished 71 Chevelle LS6 made an appearance along with one hundred other automobile relics.
“From contributions to the angioplasty suite at Ouellette Campus, to exercise equipment in the Petro Family Cardiac Wellness and the establishment of a satellite cardiac wellness program in Tecumseh on behalf of our hospital, our patients, clients, loved ones and community at large thank you to everyone who for the last decade has made The Bob Probert Ride what it is today,” said Barbara Sebben, Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation.
The Probert Family, Ride committee along with HDGH would like to acknowledge and thank the support of its donors and sponsors, particularly that of Local 444 who have been presenting sponsors since day one.
“Ultimately we have decided as a family that this 10th year, 12 years after Bob’s passing, was the final year of The Bob Probert Ride. All good things must come to an end. We thank our community and everyone who has helped celebrate and honour Bob and support local healthcare for so long. We are grateful,” concluded Dani.
To learn more about Mental Health and Addiction and Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Services at HDGH visit www.HDGH.org.
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Media Contact:
Bill Marra, HDGH President & CEO
Cell: (519) 919-0033
