Dough 4 Joe

By: Nadine Aljets
Contributing Writer

When most people think of bikers and motorcycles, the typical stereotypes come to mind: leather jackets, “I [heart] Mom” tattoos, and a rough-and-tough attitude. These preconceived notions happen to be far from the truth, though, for a group of individuals dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. It is these individuals and many others who started the non-profit organization Dough 4 Joe, a charity dedicated to raising funds for cancer victims and their families. Now entering its sixth year of operation, Dough 4 Joe organizers hope it will be bigger and better than years past.

Dough 4 Joe began in 2006 to benefit Joe Sampson, who was then battling brain cancer. During his life, Sampson had many hobbies including working on motor vehicles, dirt bikes, and eventually his Harley that he purchased in 2005. Because of his love of motorcycles, his family and friends organized a motorcycle run in 2006 after his diagnosis to help subdue the costs of treatments.

Sampson strongly fought through nine brain tumors before passing away in 2008. “It was pretty scary, but through it all, Joe liked to have his family and friends around, and no matter how bad it was, he could always give you a thumbs up. I never saw or heard him cry; he never felt bad for himself. In my best words, he didn’t want people to feel bad for him. He wanted to make them laugh. He wanted everyone to feel good,” Jeff Rust, a friend of Sampson’s and one of the Dough 4 Joe committee members, said.

His friends and family wanted to continue the charity in his name and help others who were dealing with the stressors of illness. “It’s something Joe’s mom and I wanted to continue to do. I think Joe’s looking down on us and smiling. It’s just the kind of person he was,” Stan Johnson, Joe’s stepfather and Dough 4 Joe committee member, said. 

They felt the name Dough 4 Joe was fitting because “there is always another ‘Joe’ out there who could use our help,” Rust said. The organization has been able to help numerous families fighting cancer since they first began. Typically the organizers of Dough 4 Joe try to help more than one family per year. “Most of the families that we have given to they didn’t know us – never met us – until the day of the run or shortly prior to it and even after it. We want them to know that we really care and understand what they are going through. It lets them know that they are not alone – that we are pulling for them, that we really care,” Rust said.

While many families have been helped, families with children are often sought out to donate to. And of all the past recipients, both Rust and Johnson agreed that one recipient still stands out in their minds. In 2008, Dough 4 Joe chose a young boy by the name of Dawson Rude. Dawson was born with only one kidney and the other kidney functioning at only 5 - 10 percent. He received a kidney transplant, but in 2003 he was diagnosed with cancer, thus needing another kidney transplant. Rude had always been a big race fan, so he was able to wave the flag at the beginning of the bike run that year. “He loved it!” Rust said. Also, with the donation money, his family was able to take Dawson to a NASCAR race. “He was able to meet Kurt Busch, his favorite driver. It was just a wonderful feeling to be able to contribute to giving this little boy some good memories that he can take with him the rest of his life. As well as some good memories for his family with him that they can take with the rest of theirs,” Rust said.

The notion that everyone knows someone dealing with cancer or another difficult illness has really been a uniting force for Dough 4 Joe. Many outside supporters and sponsors have volunteered their time, talents, and efforts to make help make the event a success.

The first motorcycle run and the runs since have all started and ended at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Elizabeth, Minn., and this year is no different. The motorcycle run will be held this year on July 23 with registration at 11 a.m. and will feature various entertainment along the route with live music all day.

The Dough for Joe event has increased beyond just the bike run to include a bike show. This show will take place June 4 in Downer, Minn., at the Mainline Bar & Grill. Anyone is welcome to include their bike in the show or just stop by to check out all of the motorcycles. This all-day event starts at 10 a.m., and will proceed into the evening with live music, a burn-out pit, swap meet, vendors, tattoos, camping, food and more.

Sponsors and volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated. The Dough 4 Joe committee said there are many ways for individuals to get involved or contribute. “By spreading the word, letting other people know that they can make a difference in someone’s life. We don’t ask for specific amounts, but if you can give anything, it will help someone. Everything that’s raised goes out the door,” Rust said. “We also collect can tabs, which we give to local charities to help with their fundraising events. Last year we donated 130 gallons of can tabs to the Ronald McDonald Ride in New York Mills.”

While the Dough 4 Joe organization started merely as a way to help one family, its impact has extended in a way that none of the committee members could have expected. “We would love to be able to help more people, but the fact that we have been able to help even one family is an accomplishment. That is our goal, and we do it the best that we can to raise as much money as we can, to help as many people as we can. There are no real limits on where that can go,” Rust said.

“We work 364 days a year for that one day,” Johnson said. And Rust added, “Life’s short; help as many as you can because they’ll help you.”

“We may not find a cure for the ailments that people suffer from, but we can help them feel better, even if only for a day, and that makes it all worth it,” Rust said.

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IF YOU GO:
What: Dough 4 Joe Bike Show
Where: Mainline Bar & Grill, Downer, MN
When: June 4, 2011; Starts at 10 a.m.
Info: http://www.dough4joe.com

What: Dough 4 Joe Bike Run
Where: Silver Dollar Saloon, Elizabeth, MN
When: July 23, 2011; Registration 11 a.m., starts 1 p.m.
Info: http://www.dough4joe.com