6th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Run Gives Laconia Motorcycle Week a Sunny Sendoff

Online, June 15, 2012 (Newswire.com) - A gorgeous New England spring day ushered in the Official Kickoff to the 89th Laconia Motorcycle Week as the Peter Makris Memorial Run brought more than 260 motorcycles to the NASWA Resort for a festive fundraiser and ride around Lake Winnipesaukee on Saturday, June 9. Makris, patriarch of the NASWA, avid motorcyclist and boater, was a local leader and helped start the Laconia Fire Department Water Rescue team more than eight years ago, which remains privately funded. The Memorial Run has fully funded the entire unit and three dive boats for the past five years, and last year it added the Easter Seals NH "Veterans Count" program to its beneficiary list. This year's run raised more than $32,000 from event rider registrations, raffles and auctions which feed directly into the community.

Since Makris was a U.S. Marine and member of the "Leatherneck" motorcycle club, a large contingent of the Marines and other veterans' club riders led the run, along with members of the International Fire Fighters Association (IAFF) who joined other area businesses as sponsors in the run.

"We appreciate what the Makris family has done for firefighters, so it was a natural for us to support this run," said Mike Crouse, of the IAFF, who noted that riders from his group came from across New England and as far as Ohio to join the cause. "Next year, the word will spread and we'd plan to have even more riders," he added.

"The water rescue unit was very important to my father after paramedic Mark Miller lost his life," said Cynthia Makris, president of the NASWA Resort, a third-generation matriarchal-run business in Laconia for more than 77 years. "We are so touched by the support of local businesses, friends and guests - many who knew and loved my father and many who are simply moved to support the worthy causes that motivate us to carry on his memory. The run has already become a community tradition, the kickoff to motorcycle week, and also a wonderful party to honor my father's life and causes."

Riders who participated in the ride were treated to a breakfast and gourmet lunch, received a commemorative T-shirt and enjoyed a "feet-up" State Police-escorted ride around scenic Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Laconia Fire Department has a full team of trained divers and paramedics who use specially-built center console boats to respond to ice and water rescue for the 70-acre lake year-around. "We'll never forget how Peter stepped to the plate for us years ago, and we are so appreciative of how his family has continued the important work for the entire lake," said Chief Ken Erickson of the Laconia Fire Department.

The Easter Seals NH "Veterans Count" program was selected because of its service to all active duty service members and their families, as well as to veterans. Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Clark (ret.) and R. Bruce Wilson of the "Veterans Count" program were on hand and were moved as they watched the blessing of the bikes, the stirring music of the firefighters' bagpiper band and the vocals of the Star-Spangled Banner by firefighter Meredith Lund, as the bikers prepared to depart. "We so appreciate what all these people do for our program which serves so many in need," commented Wilson.

The date for next year's run has been set for Saturday, June 6, and those interested in participating can contact the NASWA Resort at 603 366-4341 or visit http://www.naswa.com for more information.

Other participating sponsors include AutoFair, Bank of New Hampshire, Bonnett Page and Stone, Budweiser, Busby Construction, GMI Asphalt, IAFF, Infusion Sales Group, Laconia Harley Davidson, Lakeport Landing Marina, MB Tractor, Manchester Harley Davidson, PDF Plastic Distributors & Fabricators, Paugus Bay Marina, Pepsi, PR Power and Zero Waste & Recycling.