Bikers Converge On Joplin For Kids

JOPLIN, Mo – Southwest Missouri will once again feel the roar of the motorcycles as Bikes on the Boulevard thunders into Joplin to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and their work with Freeman Health System, the area’s only local CMN hospital. A full day of live music, great food and beautiful bikes is planned for Sunday, May 3, at Joplin Convention and Trade Center, 3535 Hammons Boulevard.

“Bikes on the Boulevard is such an amazing day. It’s so moving to see the way these bikers give of their time to help our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The assistance provided to area kids and their families through this event is invaluable, and we have a lot of fun in the process,” said Heather Lesmeister, Freeman Health System Assistant Director of Development and External Relations.

Activities for the Riders Welcome and Celebration rev up at 8:00 am with a Poker Run, followed by a CMNH church service, bike show, awards, bike blessings, a safety course, kids area and a group ride down historic Route 66. Adding to the excitement this year is the Miracle Riders from Columbus, Georgia. This group of riders tours the lower 48 states in 21 days, raising funds and awareness for local kids in need. There is no admission fee for Riders Welcome and Celebration, but donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are appreciated.

The fun extends into the evening, when attendees can meet the riders and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner, followed by a concert by the Clint Walker Band. Tickets for the dinner and concert are limited and may be purchased for $20.00 at cmnmiracles.org. The evening’s events will wrap up at 10:00 pm. 

The goal of Bikes on the Boulevard is to raise $5,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CMNH provides assistance to children from birth to 21 years of age in a 14-county area in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. All money raised stays local, helping children and their families. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helps furnish and maintain Freeman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, provides funding for the pediatric needs of local community organizations, and offers pediatric emergency equipment for area agencies.

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90