Bikers help the hungry

COEUR d'ALENE - Local bikers laid down a challenge to their favorite watering holes, which answered by donating 1,100 pounds of food to local food banks.

The food was collected at local establishments during the first "900 Pound Food Drive Challenge" on Saturday.

"I wanted to get 900 pounds of food per establishment," Russell Brown, event co-organizer, said. "But this was just the inaugural ride. We are planning on doing the ride every year on the second Saturday of September. So we're hoping the event will grow and we will get more food next year."

The food donated to the "900 Pound Food Drive Challenge" - which was organized by Brown, Cruisers Bar and Grill owner Justin Veo and Curley's Hauser Junction owner Tanya Murray - will go to food banks in Coeur d'Alene and surrounding communities.

Multiple bars and Qualfon, a Fortune 500 company with multiple locations in North Idaho, participated in the food drive by donating non-perishable goods throughout the week, Brown said.

"If it wasn't for Qualfon in particular we wouldn't have reached our goal of 900 pounds," Brown added.

On Saturday, approximately 20 bikers rode to the various establishments to pick up the donated food and say thanks to those who participated.

"The local bars really stepped up to the plate," Brown said. "It was a great event."