Buddy Matthews Motorcycle Run Benefits Kids with Autism

When Linda Voshall took control of the Buddy Matthews Memorial Ride and Benefit for Autism last year, she knew it would take a lot of last-minute work to make the event happen.

With the help of friends, the inaugural event in memory of her late son John R. “Buddy” Matthews drew about 200 supporters and 80 motorcycles to the . 

This year, Voshall hopes for even more participation for the second annual run, with proceeds going to support families and programs for children with autism at the . Matthews died Aug. 22, 2009, in a motorcycle accident, leaving his wife Tricia, a daughter and a son, who is autistic.  

“I’m hoping this year will be twice as big as last,” Voshall said.

The motorcycle run begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the VFW next to Henle Park. Motorcycles, classic cars, hot rods are all welcome, as well as non-riders. Registration runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and the run commences soon after with the last bike out at 11 a.m. Beginning at 4 p.m., a benefit will take place.  

 “It’s very important to me to keep it going because I want to raise autism awareness and keep Buddy’s memory alive. It’s something he totally believed in. It was his dream and we’re just carrying it on,” she said.

A portion of the proceeds enable children with autism to participate in programs at the Y free of charge.

Barb Herman, said nearly 100 kids have been helped this year thanks to the annual benefit. Funds are slated to be used for private or semi-private swimming classes for children with autism.

Herman said the funding in Buddy’s memory is so useful, that sometimes the staff speaks about him as if he’s part of the crew. There was an instance where a girl didn’t have enough to cover the entire summer camp even after her teachers tried to collect enough money to pay for her. Her mother, a single parent, was battling cancer, and the girl had a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, Herman said.

When Herman explained the situation, Voshall said, “Buddy would love to pay for that.”

“We talk about Buddy Matthews as if he’s here," Herman said. "We talk about him in the present tense. If you didn’t know better you’d think he was here.”

And they know he’ll be here in spirit when the first motorcycle takes off as well as the last.

Voshall has plenty support this year thanks to a strong group of volunteers. She is praying for good weather, but said the event will go forward rain or shine.

“It’s very important to me to keep it going because I want to raise autism awareness and keep Buddy’s memory alive. It’s something he totally believed in. It was his dream and we’re just carrying it on,” she said. 

If You Go

Registration is the day of the run and the cost is $15 per rider and $10 for a passenger. The suggested donation is $10 for those only attending the benefit, which includes 50/50 raffles, a silent auction, a DJ and food.

The Ride

The 97-mile motorcycle route will start from the Leetsdale VFW and head out to the Midland VFW. From there, riders will go to the Beacon Hotel and then to the Ambridge Sportsmen's Club before returning back to Leetsdale.