Bikers came from over central Indiana to participate in HVAF’s 3rd annual “Freedom Ride” on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis East.

73 bikers participated in the police escorted “Freedom Ride” which is HVAF’s largest annual fundraiser.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

launched the event at 9:30 a.m., with the motorcycle ride beginning immediately after at 10 a.m. at Harley Davidson of Indianapolis. Riders were police escorted through Downtown Indianapolis, and the ride ended at HVAF’s Warman Apartments, 240 N. Warman Ave., one of 17 properties maintained by HVAF that serve as homes for 200 veterans who had been homeless.

At the Warman Apartments, HVAF staff, clients, volunteers and other supporters celebrated a Summer Festival. The Summer Festival was attended by more 300 people who enjoyed family games including horseshoes, bean bag toss, potato sack race, duck pond, ring toss, cake walk. Live music and food were also part of the day.

At the Summer Festival, the Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol comprised of cadets from the Valparaiso Cadet Squadron CAP, provided the color guard while vocalist Lindsay Shipps performed the national anthem.

The events raised roughly 14-thousand dollars for programs and projects to help veterans and their families recover from homelessness.

Enjoy more event photos in the video below.