Chamber of Commerce group raises money for veterans with motorcycle run

The Veterans Business Support Coalition, an affiliate organization of the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce that provides resources and support to businesses in Rio Rancho, Sandoval County and Albuquerque, held a fundraiser this weekend to support veterans with a motorcycle run.

The event drew dozens of riders who kicked off the run Saturday with breakfast in Albuquerque before going through the Jemez Mountains and returning to Slate Street in Rio Rancho.

The Veterans Business Support Coalition was created to empower veterans in the local community by connecting them with people that help inspire, mentor and advocate for them in many ways. The group hosts monthly events with veteran guest speakers from around the community that give insight on how other veterans might be able to succeed.

The group is also a platform in which veterans can collaborate, network and exchange ideas through various discussion options. The goal is to make sure that every veteran in the community gets the resources they need to help them succeed.

The motorcycle run, now in its third year, started at Indian Motorcycles, traveled through the Jemez Mountains, and ended at Slate Street Billiards Bar & Grille, where a 50/50 raffle was held.

The winner of the raffle gave his winnings to the coalition. The exact amount of money raised by the run was not immediately available.

“A lot of times (veterans) are going to need help, maybe not so much with business, but just be a resource for them. Whether it be mental health or business help, we offer anything and everything to help veterans,” said RRRCC Director of Membership Jaime Gallardo.

The coalition was formed in 2019 and had its first networking event in 2020, just a month before the pandemic.

VBSC services include:

• Coaching in entrepreneurship and providing assistance regarding veteran benefits, grants, student-veteran support and mental health resources.

• Advise in developing strategies for business growth and providing advocacy in economic business development, national security and foreign affairs, women veterans, grassroots efforts, veterans affairs health care watch, military and spouse economic empowerment zones.

• Organizing community outreach through media, events and community services like youth and education, troop support and community fundraising initiatives.

The motorcycle run is one of three fundraiser events held annually by the Veterans Business Support Coalition.

“Every year we have three fundraisers to raise scholarship money for veteran-owned businesses that are two years or younger and have 10 employees or less because when you open up a business, there’s a lot of ancillary costs that come into play that you didn’t have planned for in the beginning,” Gallardo said. “It’s a lot of fun; it goes to a great cause. It’s a great fundraiser.”

The Veterans Business Support Coalition also holds a charity pool tournament and a charity bowling tournament each year.