AMVET Riders Carry On Giving Tradition With Cancer Ride Donations

By Danielle McCulley  

The Hudson AMVET Riders presented donations Monday night to two local hospice  organizations.  

Cedar Valley Hospice and UnityPoint Hospice each received a $500 donation from  proceeds raised during the group’s annual Cancer Ride, held in June in memory of Maurita  “Rita” Lubbers.  

In addition to hospice donations, scholarships were awarded earlier this year to three  Hudson High School seniors: Addy Engel received a $1,000 scholarship, while Blaiklee Schatz  and Ansley Trunck each received $500. The scholarships are presented annually to students  who embody kindness, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.  

Over the past three years, the Riders have awarded scholarships and provided  charitable support through Rita’s Ride—an event that brings the community together to raise  funds in Lubbers’ honor. To date, more than $10,000 has been donated to Cedar Valley  Hospice, UnityPoint Hospice, the Allen Foundation and local student scholarships.  

“I’m so grateful for the AMVET Riders and all the hard work they put in before, during  and after the ride,” said Danielle McCulley, daughter of Rita Lubbers. “There’s so much that  goes on behind the scenes, and the way they give back to the community is truly a beautiful  way to keep my mom’s memory alive. My family is forever grateful.”