The fourth annual Jason's Run motorcycle ride is slated to launch Saturday from the Oneonta Veterans Club.
Founded by Karen Vagliardo, Jason's Run is held each year in memory of her son, who died in a 2008 crash. But it is much more than a motorcycle run. It's also a yearlong effort to raise awareness of motorcycle safety and the First Alert medical card program, according to Vagliardo.
"It's a greater thing than me," Vagliardo said when asked about the longevity of Jason's Run.
Vagliardo originally used the proceeds of the run to fund the purchase of large yellow banners and bumper stickers with the slogan "Check Twice -- Save a Life. Motorcycles are Everywhere!!!"
The idea is to educate motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, as well as other cars. Many accidents occur when motorists turn or pull out in front of motorcycles, which have lower profiles than cars or trucks.
Jason Vagliardo died Sept. 8, 2008, in the town of Oneonta when his motorcycle struck the passenger side of a pickup truck that had made a turn in front of him. He was one of six motorcyclists to die in Delaware and Otsego counties that year.
In the last two years, Vagliardo has expanded the scope of what she does to include the First Alert program, which involves stickers and medical cards.
That program, she said, is geared toward many activities that involve a helmet. The stickers may be placed on the helmet to indicate a medical alert card with information on emergency contacts, doctors and medical conditions may be found inside the helmet. The First Alert cards may also be placed in golf bags, wallets and construction hard hats, she said.
Throughout the spring, Vagliardo has visited several groups, emergency agencies and hospitals to raise awareness of the Jason's Run associated efforts.
Jason's Run launches from the Oneonta Vets Club at 279 Chestnut St. at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. A pancake breakfast will be held that morning at the Vets Club from 8 to 11 a.m.
Sign up for the run is between 10 and 11 a.m.
"It's our biggest fundraiser," Vagliardo said.
The run, which is open to motorcyclists and motorists, will first head to the Richfield Springs American Legion post, before traveling west on U.S. Route 20 and then south on state Route 8 to the Deer Path Restaurant in New Berlin. From there, the run will return to the Oneonta Veterans Club for a barbecued chicken dinner. There will also be a lottery tree, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
A Memorial Wall dedicated to all men and women lost in motorcycle crashes will also be erected at the Vets Club. People are invited to post pictures and messages about their loved ones.
The run is a $20 donation and includes the dinner. The pancake breakfast is a $7 donation.
Jason's Run is also supported by the American Legion Riders Post 259. Jason Vagliardo was a member of Son's of the American Legion Post 259.
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