The original Iron Maidens MS Motorcycle Ride teams saddle up to ride in the May 17, 2007 autism benefit ride starting and finishing at Speed Demon Cycle in Bloomfield. The 2011 team is now revvin’ up to host the first-ever Iron Maidens Down Under Outback BBQ at Outback Steakhouse in Southington Saturday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The family-friend event benefits people in Connecticut battling multiple sclerosis. Pictured from left to right: Iron Maidens team members Karen Stanford (bottom) of Farmington, Nikki Harbin of Hartford, Speed Demon Cycles owner and operator Rob Ruggiero, Lydia Ashford of Manchester, Brenda Martin of Bristol, and Manchester resident Karen Butler, Iron Maidens team captain.
The Iron Maidens and The Band of Brothers fundraising team is teaming up with Outback Steakhouse in Southington to host the first-ever Iron Maidens: Behind Bars, Down Under Outback Barbeque, Saturday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event supports the 2011 NBC Connecticut MS Motorcycle Ride, which benefits the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Outback Steakhouse,” said Karen Butler, a resident of Manchester and team captain of the MS Motorcycle Ride fundraising team known as the Iron Maidens and The Band of Brothers. “This event makes for a great destination ride and is very family friendly. And who doesn’t like steak and chicken grilled to perfection right on the barbie!”
The Iron Maidens and The Band of Brothers fundraising team was established by Butler in 2007, a year after she bought her first Harley-Davidson Street Bob. The team has since raised more than $30,000 to support the fight against multiple sclerosis – a disease her grandmother battled for more than 10 years.
“We are dedicated to moving science forward toward a cure,” said Butler, whose grandmother lost her battle multiple sclerosis in the 1988. “This year the Iron Maidens team has gone behind bars with the hopes of raising $15,000.”
The team launched The Iron Maidens: Behind Bars campaign in January. Utilizing the web and social media networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, the team raised more than $5,000 in the first month. To date, the team has raised almost $10,000 toward the $15,000 goal. Top fundraisers thus far include Diane Freer, Farmington, who has raised $2,640; Karen Stanford, Farmington, who has raised $1,579; and Karen Butler, who has raised $1,520. For more information on the Iron Maidens: Behind Bars fundraising campaign or to join the team, visit www.ironmaidensfightMS.com.
The first-ever Iron Maidens: Behind Bars Outback BBQ to benefit MS will feature live entertainment and a silent auction. Meal includes: sirloin and chicken, homemade mashed potatoes, salad, honey wheat bread, soft drinks and coffee or tea and cheesecake for dessert. Seats are limited. Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 for children under 12.
Iron Maidens: Behind Bars campaign sponsors include: Mike Marques Photography, Speed Demon Cycles, Bricco Restaurant in West Hartford and Outback Steakhouse. The Iron Maidens Down Under Outback BBQ will be held Saturday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Outback Steakhouse is located just off Interstate 84 at 817 Queen St., in Southington. To secure tickets for the benefit barbeque, contact Karen E. Butler, e-mail at kbutler@ctfightsMS.org or call 860-913-2550. For more information on multiple sclerosis, its effects and the many ways to help make a difference for people in Connecticut living with MS, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
