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                                                                                                              Mercy Health Muskegon
                                                                                                              Erin Patrick, Regional Manager Communications & PR
                                                                                                              Erin.Patrick@mercyhealth.com
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Contact:
Sandy's Harley-Davidson Sports Center
Rick Corley, Owner
rcorley@sandysharley-davidson.com
Ph. 231-924-3020          

Sandy Corley Memorial Run Rides Into the Sunset After 30 Years, $2.2M raised

January 3, 2019; Muskegon, MI: The Sandy Corley Memorial Run (SCMR) will be riding off into the sunset following its 30th-annual event in Rothbury, Michigan, which was held in July 2018, the charity run’s board has announced.

The SCMR was launched after the death of Sandy Corley, founder of Sandy’s Harley-Davidson Sport Center in Fremont, in order to honor Sandy and benefit cancer patients in West Michigan. The Friends of Sandy Corley Memorial Run and the Fremont Harley Owners Group have been the organizers and presenters.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the organizers have decided to no longer have the SCMR," said Rick Corley, owner of Sandy's Harley-Davidson and son of the run's namesake. "The decision was tough, but we felt it best to stop on a positive note with 30 years of success. The SCMR has been one of the largest events of its kind in Michigan with a cumulative 30-year donation totaling almost $2.2 million to support cancer care and the Mercy Health Johnson Family Cancer Center."

In 1989, Barb VanBogelen and the Fremont Harley Owners wanted to have a ride to honor Sandy Corley, which was the beginning of the Sandy Corley Memorial Run. The event started with 52 riders. More recently, it grew to several thousand attendees. Although the 2018 event drew riders from 20 states and Canada, the decision to end is attributed to the anticipated increase in operating costs and a declining number of volunteers, potentially influencing the effectiveness of the event's success as a fundraiser.

"Like so many things, the Sandy Corley Memorial Run has run its course," said Corley. "The entire Corley Family would like to thank everyone for the three decades of success. This event was a great tribute to our father. Our family wishes to thank our Mercy Health family and every volunteer, board member, sponsor, media partner and individual who helped honor our father's legacy and make a difference to patients at the Johnson Family Cancer Center." 

Over the past 30 years, proceeds from the SCMR have helped in countless ways and most recently helped Mercy Health procure a linear accelerator, a CT scanner, and a passenger van that transports patients to the cancer center for treatment daily. Proceeds will continue to support the patient-care fund for patients in need, as well as the recently launched early detection lung-cancer screening program.

"As a not-for-profit health care ministry, it has been our honor to be the recipients of the extraordinary dedication and countless hours invested by everyone involved," said Mercy Health Muskegon President Gary Allore. "We are grateful for the unforgettable mark left by the SCMR on the Johnson Family Cancer Center, our patients and our community."

In addition to the fundraising, the strong camaraderie built within the West Michigan biker community, and beyond, has been another point of pride for the run’s organizers. Additionally, to pay respect to area veterans and members of the armed forces, each year, the SCMR held a military ceremony the Saturday night of the event.

“The event not only helped cancer patients, but was also a tribute to our military," said Corley. "The money raised at the beer tent was shared with the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan to help the needs of people in the military."

A core group of volunteers devoted their time for each of the 30 years, and dozens more signed up to help year after year at the events.

Several of the performing bands returned to the SCMR for multiple visits over the years. Jackyl, Skid Row, Wayland and Blue Oyster Cult took to the stage multiple times and forged friendships with the organizers and attendees

The SCMR has always had a family feeling, as the event originated from the Corley family's personal loss.

"While the run itself is winding down, the sense of family and camaraderie amongst the volunteers and wider biker community will not likely fade any time soon," said Corley. "We are tremendously grateful for the support of our entire biker family."

For images from and more history of the Sandy Corley Memorial Run, visit its website:
http://www.sandycorley.com.

To learn more information about Sandy’s Harley-Davidson Sport Center, visit https://www.sandysharley-davidson.com.

To learn more about the Johnson Family Cancer Center, visit the Mercy Health website:
https://www.mercyhealth.com/medical-services/cancer-care/johnson-family-cancer-center.

The Sandy Corley Story: Sandy Corley started the Fremont Michigan Chapter of the Harley Owners Group in 1986. He was the owner of Sandy’s Harley-Davidson Sport Center and was a charter member and strong supporter of the small but dedicated group of riders in the area. Sandy passed away on June 29, 1989 from cancer. In fall 1989, the first SCMR event was held in Sandy’s honor. The SCMR was a tribute to Sandy by the members of the chapter and his family and friends. There was a ride, an auction and plenty of fellowship among the riders. The proceeds of the first five years were given to the American Cancer Society. In the sixth year, proceeds benefited the Hackley Hospital cancer center. Following the merger of Hackley Hospital and Mercy General Health Partners in 2008, proceeds continued to benefit cancer care at the newly established Mercy Health Johnson Family Cancer Center in Muskegon, MI. Over the last 30 years, nearly $2.2 million has been donated in the remembrance of Sandy Corley to aid in the care of cancer patients in West Michigan. The Sandy Corley Memorial Run has been a successful tribute to Sandy Corley.

About Mercy Health: Mercy Health is a regional, multi-campus, Catholic health care system serving West Michigan and the lakeshore with four hospital campuses, more than 85 physician offices, more than 1,300 medical staff physicians, more than 800 hospital beds and more than 9,000 colleagues, and hospice, home health and long-term care service offerings. Mercy Health Physician Partners, our multi-specialty medical group, employs more than 700 physicians and advanced practice professionals in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and the lakeshore. Mercy Health has annual operating revenues of about $1.4 billion and returns about $80 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs. Mercy Health, a member of Trinity Health, is committed to being a trusted health partner for life, transforming the communities we serve, by providing high-quality care that is the most accessible, compassionate and personalized in West Michigan. Visit us at MercyHealth.com.

We have raised $2,010,742.83 for Cancer!!!
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen.

Fox 17 Interview

2018 Winner of
30th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Raffle Bike

2017 Winner of
29th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Raffle Bike

2016 Winner of
28th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Raffle Bike

2015 Winner of
27th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Raffle Bike

2014 Winner of
26th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Raffle Bike

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