Get ready to ride for a cause! Or, enjoy concert, party.

Save the Boobies Run is a local motorcycle ride and poker run fundraiser that benefits breast cancer research and provides funding for local breast health programs.

“All proceeds that we raise will go to the north affiliate of Susan G. Komen,” said event organizer Tracey Cornell. Susan G. Komen North Louisiana provides education and outreach to help ensure area women have access to breast cancer screening, whether they are insured or not. The group also funds local programs that provide support and temporary financial assistance to those diagnosed with the disease.

Cornell and her husband, Frank, own Cornell Plumbing of Bossier City and wanted a way to give back to the community that had supported their business for the past 30 years.

“When my husband’s mom got diagnosed with breast cancer, that’s when we came up with the Save the Boobies Run,” said Cornell. “She knew that she had breast cancer, but didn’t tell anybody until it got bad. ... She didn’t want to be a burden to anybody.”

This is the second time the unique fundraising event will be held; the first was in 2013 and raised $6,616. The Save the Boobies Run was put on hold for several years while Cornell’s mother-in-law battled the disease.

The event begins with registration at Bossier City Harley-Davidson. Kickstands will go up at noon, as participants begin their ride to different locations to draw cards for their poker hand. The final stop will be at Faith Farms & Arena in Elm Grove. That’s where riders will show their cards and find out who holds the winning hand. The winner will receive a plaque and bragging rights.

“The motorcycle community does a lot for charity, and people don't realize it," said Cornell. "We decided to do a motorcycle poker run because that's an avenue that nobody seems to touch for any type of cancer benefits or anything else … and it's just grown to where we now have the concerts."

The event will end with a live auction and concert. Some of the items up for grabs at the auction are a 50-gallon natural gas water heater donated by National Wholesale Plumbing Supply of Shreveport with installation by Cornell Plumbing, a concealed carry permit course and oneyear membership to Shooters USA in Bossier City, and a sculpture titled “Tiny Dancer” made from recycled motorcycle parts. Artist James “Dirt” Dorner of ArtbyDirt in Champaign, Ill., crafted the sculpture of a ballerina reaching for the stars.

Dorner enjoys using his talent to do good for others in need. “I know what it feels like to be the family of the person going through something. I know what it feels like to be forgotten,” he said. “For a miracle to happen, you need an unselfish act from a stranger, and I really like being that guy.”

The concert will kick off at 3 p.m.

Musical acts include national artists, country singer Don Woods of Tyler, Texas, and rebel rocker Jasmine Cain. Local bands Windstorm and ’80s hair band Fare Warning will also take the stage. A small fireworks display will follow the conclusion of the musical performances.

The family-friendly event will also feature bounce houses and a water slide for kids, the Faith Farms petting zoo, and food vendors. T-shirts, patches and vinyl stickers commemorating the event will be available for purchase.

The Save the Boobies Run will be held on Saturday, July 8. Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. at Bossier City Harley-Davidson. Children can attend the event free of charge.

– Melissa Airhart