‘Thunder' helps raise $13,000 for persons with disabilities

Sparta - The 2005 “Thunder for the Disabled” motorcycle tour, which benefits the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), has successfully concluded after helping to raise more than $13,000, according to Andrew Fraser, Esq., chair of the annual motorcycle tour through much of Sussex County. He said more motorcycles participated this year than last year. “In the years to come, we are looking forward to having more motorcycles than we know what to do with.” said Fraser. “It is a wonderful cause and I want to thank local law enforcement for their assistance and all of the participants in this year’s event.” Combined with other events, including an “Abilities Bicycle Tour” through Jefferson Township and Lake Hopatcong, and a walking tour, $13,000 was raised. The DPD, a nonprofit agency responsible for the care and housing of developmentally disabled persons, operates 12 group homes, a farm and a vocational training center in Jefferson Twp. Most residents of the group homes have either lost their parents or their parents are too old to care for them. The DPD is a Catholic Charities Agency of the Diocese of Paterson. Fraser, a long-time DPD board member, is a partner in the law firm of Laddey, Clark & Ryan, Sparta. This year, Fraser was joined by Michael Garofalo, his colleague at the law firm.