She gathered a group of volunteers and launched the first Angel Ride in 2007.

“She just wanted to help cancer patients with expenses,” said Dawn Wesley, a member of the all-volunteer committee that organizes the ride. “It just kind of grew from there.”

Since that first ride, the annual event has generated $466,377.09, according to Wesley.

She said all of that money has been given to the Trinity Foundation, which uses it to help breast cancer patients pay for all kinds of needs that are not covered by insurance. The money can be used to pay for wigs, scarves, camisoles and even bigger items such as utility bills.

-Messenger file photo
Volunteer Shawna Hankins, of Corwith, helped out with cashier duties as the 19th annual Angel Ride got started at Amigo’s in Fort Dodge in July 2025.

The money supports breast cancer patients within a 75 mile radius.

Wesley said people who join the Angel Ride know that the money it raises stays in the local area.

“I think that’s why it’s so successful,” she said.

The 20th Angel Ride will be held Saturday.

The starting and ending point is the property at the corner of North First Street and Hawkeye Avenue where Amigos once stood.

Registration will be at the site from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $20 per person.

From there, the ride includes stops at Rails in Eagle Grove, Blue Moose in Renwick, Red Lantern in Bode, Sunny Brooke in Rolfe and Junkyard in Barnum.

Motorcycles have been the main vehicles on the ride, but Wesley said any kind of vehicle is welcome.

The ride will conclude at the former Amigos site. There, the band Love Bomb will perform from about 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A freewill donation meal will be served beginning at 5 p.m.

A silent auction will be underway at the Amigos site throughout the day. A live auction will begin at 6 p.m.

Wesley said people who are unable to take part in the ride can come to meal and bid in the auctions.

“Everybody’s welcome,” she said.