Wild Bill’s in Rulo keeping ‘Dreams’ alive for ailing kids

This year’s “Chasin’ Dreams” Benefit Ride will be a benefit for young Ben Kirkendall, son of Travis and Megan Kirkendall of Falls City.

The ride is set for Saturday, June 22, at Wild Bill’s, Highway 159 and Main in Rulo.  Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and take-off is at 1 p.m.  The last card drawn will be at 6 p.m.

Ben, who will be 3 years old on June 13, was born with a rare neural tube defect called occipital encephalocele.  Symptoms include neurological problems, fluid accumulation on the brain, uncoordinated muscle movement, developmental delays, vision problems and possible seizures.  Ben has undergone several cranial surgeries in Omaha to repair the encephalocele, with the latest last fall.  His family makes monthly trips to his team of specialist in Omaha.  He receives weekly services and therapy and will, in the future, need technology devices to help him with his development.

Riders will leave Wild Bill’s Bar & Grill for Ernie’s in Highland, KS, then ride to Red’s in Hiawatha, The Would Eye in Falls City, Prop Inn at Big Lake, MO, then back to Wild Bill’s.  All will depart, ride and return as a group.

Fees are $20 for the pilot, $15 for a co-pilot and $5 for a second hand. 

After the ride, a free will donation will be accepted for the meal at Wild Bill’s.  Door prizes will be available and an auction is planned.  “Bullhaulers” will perform at 9 p.m.

A raffle for a Traeger Grill will also be held.  Raffle tickets are available at F&M Bank and on the day of the event.  To purchase raffle tickets and for more information about donations of auction items or food, contact Ruth Heinzelman, 402-245-4193, or Rebecca Sipf, 937-408-9461.

Ron and Cassie Prichard, former owners of the Bridge Bar & Grill at Rulo, started the “Chasin’ Dreams” annual benefit to help enrich the life of a child in our community — a child who needs additional support due to health concerns and care.  Every year, a different child is selected to be the recipient of this benefit run.  Bill and Jet Schulenberg, current owners of Wild Bill’s Bar & Grill, are continuing this tradition.