Source: American Rider –
Despite what Hollywood might have you to believe, the bikers who travel to Sturgis, South Dakota, in droves every August prove themselves to be an exceptionally generous bunch. For the 2024 rally, Buffalo Chip charity events set a new record of $530,498 raised – becoming the first Sturgis Rally to surpass half a million dollars.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation recorded 470,987 attendees to the 2024 Sturgis Rally, compared to the slightly lower 2023 numbers of 458,161. However, charity events took a sharp uptick in revenue, rising from $369,273 in 2023 to $530K in 2024. That means charity events saw a 44% increase in funds raised with only about a 3% increase in rally attendance.
The event that earned the most money was the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. The ride began in 2019, and it was moved to Deadwood for 2024. It started with a kickoff party at Outlaw Square in Deadwood, where a Harley-Davidson customized by Southern Country Customs was auctioned off. Then riders joined racing legends to ride a scenic Black Hills route handpicked by Rusty Wallace himself. The funds raised by the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride went to the NASCAR Foundation and South Dakota Special Olympics – Rapid City Flame.
“The fundraising from the charity rides every year to support Special Olympics South Dakota – Rapid City Flame is amazing,” said Tiffany Smith, chair of the Rapid City Flame committee. “The generosity of motorcyclists from all over the world allows us to expand and enhance our programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout South Dakota.”
Other charity events that contributed to the half-million total for 2024 include Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration, Legends Ride, Legends Lunch, Biker Belles, and Flying Piston Builders Breakfast.
After a record-breaking year for charity events, the grand total raised now exceeds $2.8 million. Charities that benefited from funds from 2024 charity events include Special Olympics South Dakota – Rapid City Flame, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, Naja Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund, All Kids Bike, Helping with Horsepower, The Jessi Combs Foundation, The NASCAR Foundation, and direct-to-veteran donations through the Freedom Celebration.
“I’m blown away. There’s no better way to put it, just absolutely blown away,” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “The rally isn’t about ‘big bad bikers’ and crime statistics; it’s about having the best time of your life and doing what makes you happy. And for so many people, participating in charity events and raising money for worthwhile causes is what makes them happy. We’re blessed to have so many wonderful people attend our charity events and help us make a difference in the lives of children, veterans, athletes, and the local community year after year. Thank you to all who helped make a difference!”
The Buffalo Chip is already planning another great party for next year. The 85th annual Sturgis Rally will take place Aug. 1-10, 2025. For those wanting to participate in charity events for the upcoming rally, the event list can be found at the Buffalo Chip website.
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