Rev for a Cause
There are plenty of charity rides across America, but few carry the emotional resonance and community spirit of Ride for Dragonfly, the annual motorcycle event supporting The Dragonfly Foundation—a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that serves children fighting cancer and their families. Now in its eighth year, this ride has become a powerful statement of hope, healing, and hometown solidarity.
Slated for Saturday, June 21, 2025, the event kicks off at 7 Hills Harley-Davidson and ends with a full-scale celebration at Quaker Steak & Lube in Milford. It’s more than just a scenic cruise—it’s a symbolic act of unity with children who face some of the harshest realities imaginable. Each twist of the throttle echoes the determination to bring light, laughter, and love to families enduring a cancer diagnosis.
A mission rooted in comfort and connection
Founded in 2010, The Dragonfly Foundation has established itself as a lifeline for families navigating pediatric cancer. The organization provides critical non-medical support—from emotional care and peer connection to tangible services like hospital room makeovers and family outings. For these families, Dragonfly is often the first touchpoint of relief when the world becomes overwhelming.
What sets Dragonfly apart is its focus on normalcy. In a landscape where cancer tends to define everything, Dragonfly intervenes to give kids their childhoods back—offering joy, connection, and a sense of control. Events like the Ride for Dragonfly generate not only financial support but awareness for the quieter struggles: the social isolation, anxiety, and day-to-day disruptions that cancer brings.
The story behind the ride
The origin of the ride itself is rooted in the legacy of a local child affectionately known as “SuperBubz,” whose courageous cancer battle captured the heart of the community. Friends, bikers, and supporters organized the first ride as a tribute—and it’s grown every year since.
The 2025 Ride for Dragonfly continues this legacy with the kind of event lineup that makes participation feel like a festival with purpose. Riders register at 10:30 a.m. at 7 Hills Harley-Davidson. At noon, kickstands go up for a guided scenic tour through Greater Cincinnati. When they roll into Quaker Steak & Lube around 1 p.m., the fun is just getting started—with live music, raffle prizes, a split-the-pot contest, food trucks, and custom merchandise.
Why this ride matters now more than ever
Charitable giving has taken a hit in recent years. According to Giving USA, individual contributions declined nearly 6% in 2023, adjusted for inflation. Nonprofits like Dragonfly are feeling the squeeze even as the needs of the families they serve continue to grow. Events like Ride for Dragonfly offer a refreshing alternative to standard fundraising galas or email campaigns—they create an experience that draws people into the mission.
And it’s working. Past rides have attracted hundreds of motorcyclists, volunteers, and supporters who don’t just show up—they belong. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, the collective roar of engines rolling for a cause—it creates a kind of magic that spreadsheets and marketing decks never can.
How to participate and get involved
If you’re wondering how to be part of something meaningful this summer, this is it. Whether you ride, volunteer, donate, or simply show up for the after-party, there are countless ways to support the Dragonfly Foundation through this event.
5 ways to participate in the 2025 Ride for Dragonfly:
Register to ride: $20 for riders and $5 for passengers (pre-registration rates).
Attend the after-party: Food, fun, and fundraising with no motorcycle required.
Volunteer: From check-in to cleanup, helping hands make the event possible.
Sponsor the event: Local businesses can gain exposure and goodwill.
Donate directly: Can’t attend? You can still contribute via dragonfly.org.
And for nonprofits looking to create similar emotionally resonant events, the Ride for Dragonfly provides a compelling blueprint: center your mission, elevate real stories, and give your community a reason to show up.
The beauty of the Ride for Dragonfly isn’t just in the money it raises (though that’s vital); it’s in how it affirms the humanity of kids fighting cancer. It’s in how it draws connections between bikers in leather jackets and six-year-olds in hospital gowns. It’s in the way it channels grief into generosity, turning personal loss into community gain.
And it’s in the quiet message that hums beneath every exhaust pipe that morning: You are not alone.
If you're new to Cincinnati or just beginning to explore how to support local causes, Ride for Dragonfly is a gateway into one of the city’s most authentic philanthropic experiences. It's the kind of event where first-timers become annual regulars, where strangers become friends, and where charity becomes celebration.
Looking for more impactful ways to get involved in the Queen City? Explore our guide to upcoming charity events in Cincinnati or learn about The Dragonfly Foundation’s year-round impact.
Cincinnati has always been a city that shows up. On June 21, it does so with chrome, horsepower, and heart.