Hollywood stars, motorcycle industry leaders and racing professionals joined riders and patriots to push the total raised for charity through Buffalo Chip events even farther.
The Buffalo Chip has taken a leadership role bringing together thousands of motorcyclists, patriots and fans in an effort to support and strengthen the Black Hills community through significant charitable contributions. Through its meticulous organization, marketing and staffing of premier events such as the Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride® presented by Progressive, Legends Lunch, Biker Belles®, Rusty Wallace Charity Ride™ and Freedom Celebration, the Buffalo Chip has produced well-attended affairs and has raised a combined $2,359,990.63 for charities.
Recent recipients include South Dakota Special Olympics – Rapid City Flame, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, Helping with Horsepower, Strider Education Foundation, Sgt. Colton Levi Derr Foundation, America’s Mighty Warriors, Warrior Dog Foundation and others.
Signature Buffalo Chip charity events offer bikers the opportunity to break public perception and transcend social norms with bold solutions that benefit those with special needs, America’s wounded vVeterans and Black Hills communities.
Legend's Ride®
Contributions from the Legends Ride to the Rapid City Flame have been used to purchase a van to transport Special Olympians to practices and events. In an effort to help create an essential permanent athlete training facility for the athletes in the Black Hills, in 2016 the Buffalo Chip pledged $100,000 to renovate an existing facility to meet the growing needs of the organization. The pledged donation is an investment in more than just a gym, giving the 127 Special Olympians who are members of the “Rapid City Flame” a sense of permanence and accomplishment.
Biker Belles Celebration
Contributions from the event support several charities including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, The Jessi Combs Foundation and Helping with Horsepower, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that empowers and encourages women and girls who are at risk or are victims of abuse. The organization has developed several programs that have shown proven results including their SpiritHorse Program, Entrepreneur Experience and the nationally recognized Helping With Horsepower Bike Rebuild Program.
Rusty Wallace Charity Ride
Over the past 5 years, the Rusty Wallace Ride has raised more than $480,000!
Freedom Celebration Pays Tribute to America’s Veterans
The Buffalo Chip plans to continue its mission of giving with the return of events such as the Legends Ride, Biker Belles, Rusty Wallace Ride and Freedom Celebration.
A History of Giving
Below is a list of just some of the charities the Legendary Buffalo Chip has been involved with over the years.
A.B.A.T.E.
2006-2009
The South Dakota chapter of A Brotherhood of Awareness Training and Education (A.B.A.T.E.) was at the Chip from 2006-2009, sponsoring motorcycle games. A.B.A.T.E. is a motorcycle charity committed to serving the motorcycling public by warning members against adverse motorcycle legislation and promote favorable legislation for motorcyclists, as well as improve road conditions.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
2010-2012
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute charity travels the country with the Cost of Freedom Tribute to provide a way for the community to come together to honor, respect and remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms of our country. AVTT has displayed the traveling tribute wall on the west end of the Chip the past three years, which is free to the public to view, and stands along with the field of flags, put up by the Buffalo Chip.
BIC 4 GOOD
2011 and 2012
BIC 4 GOOD dedicated their time and resources to help raise money for Sturgis Kids and Chrome Organization and the Wounded Warrior Project respectively. Men and women were invited to their tent during the rally to get their heads shaved for charity. The shave was free, though for each head that was shaved, BIC 4 GOOD donated $4 to the designated charity for the year. The goal to be raised was $100,000, being donated by BIC USA Inc. Since its inception, BIC 4 GOOD has donated over $200,000 to four various causes.
Bikers Against Drunk Driving
2005, 2006, 2008
Bikers Against Drunk Driving work to reduce drunk driving incidences and its consequences. Funds have gone towards creating an emergency fund for victims of drunk drivers while they await other compensation and/or where no other compensation is forthcoming.
Black Hills Special Olympics
2011 and 2012
The Buffalo Chip’s annual biker charity Legends Ride started in Deadwood and concluded at the Chip. Half of the riders contributions were provided to the Special Olympics. The Mission of Special Olympics South Dakota is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills
Bunko Behinders (Lingerie for Life)
2011
The Bunko Behinders are a group of charitable women who share the goal of finding a cure for cancer. Through Lingerie for Life, hosted at the Budweiser Roadhouse Bar, the Bunko Behinders created and decorated bras, which the Chip bartenders wore and were auctioned off nightly for the charity. All of the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society.
Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA)
2000-2006
A motorcycle charity also known as Cher’s “Believe Ride.” In 2000, Cher autographed a Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom Sportster that was given away on the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Stage. Proceeds went to the Cranial Facial Association. In 2001, Cher was joined on the ride by Survivor II winner Tina Wesson.
Children’s Home Society
2009
Children’s Home Society of South Dakota serves over 2,000 children each year, primarily ages 4-13, through residential treatment, education, emergency shelter, forensic interview and exam centers, foster care and adoption services. The majority of the children are victims of severe abuse or neglect.
Clear Channel Ride for the Cure benefitting Relay for Life
2005 and 2006
Combat Wounded Coalition
2015-2018
The Combat Wounded Coalition's vision was to guide combat-wounded Purple Heart Recipients to find a purpose-driven life and peace of mind after the impact of war. The coalition optimized the potential of these warriors by mitigating the effects of trauma, expanding personal capabilities and inspiring them to find individual, unique purpose to create the life they want. In addition, CWC provided support to families of service members lost in combat, training or due to suicide or post traumatic stress.
DAV Chapter 11
2007-2010
The Disabled American Veterans charity has worked for the past 80 years to work on building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service program, a transportation network or unique rehabilitation opportunity, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs.
Easter Seal
2002-2004
Faces of Courage – Lick Breast Cancer
2009
Faces of Courage is a charity organization working to provide a life enriching experience to kids, women and families that were affected by cancer and/or blood disorders, hosting a women’s weekend camp for minority cancer survivors and is considered a leader in minority outreach and education. Current enrollment for their charity programs is 3,200 families and all programs are free to participants.
Good Turn Trike (Lehman Trikes)
2011
The 2011 Good Turn Trikes by Victory Motorcycle and Lehman Trikes in honor of the US Military was presented to one lucky military member on Aug. 11, 2011 during the Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration on the Chip’s Wolfman Jack Stage.
Habitat for Humanity
1981 and 1994
Healing Fields
2007
Hearts 2 Serve
2008
This charity works to fully support the rehabilitation cycle for disabled servicemen and women and their spouses through the creation of meaningful career opportunities.
Helping with Horsepower
2011
Helping with Horsepower designs volunteer programs that empower, encourage and raise funds for worthy biker charities. Its Bike Rebuild Program uses a damaged motorcycle as an effective tool to teach life lessons such as teamwork, self-confidence, problem solving and self esteem.
Journey
2005
When classic rock band Journey performed at the Chip in 2005, they raffled off a bike to help with a cancer charity.
Keep a Breast Foundation
2009
Keep a Breast Foundation is a charity that helped to raise money, providing Buffalo Chip campers with a Casting Party. Famous artists painted casts.
Kids and Chrome
2007-2011
Kids and Chrome is a motorcycle charity that, in just four years, raised more than a half million dollars to help impact the lives of special needs kids and preserve the history of motorcycling.
Kingdom Productions
2008-2011
Locks of Love
2005 and 2008
Make a Wish Foundation (Magic Feet, Inc.)
1991-1991 and 2008
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® charity has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
Military Order of Purple Heart
2010
Never Forgotten (POW Car)
2008
For one Vietnam Veteran, remembering was not enough. Over the years, each veteran has had to come to terms with the Vietnam War in his or her own way. Max Loffgren chose to pay tribute to those Americans who are still in Vietnam. His 1955 Chevy dragster is adorned with the names of 3,578 POW/MIA. Max stopped by the Chip on his way to the Smithsonian to share his commemorative creation.
No Airman Left Behind
Racing for Life
2006
Opportunities Independent Living Center
2000
The Joy Ride was a motorcycle charity ride that concluded at the Chip with entertainment. A Harley, signed by Peter Fonda, was given away on the Chip’s Main Stage with proceeds going to the Opportunities Independent Living Center of Aberdeen, SD.
Patriot Guard Riders and the Field of Remembrance
2006-2011
PGR’s Field of Remembrance has all 50 state flags of the US as well as the flags of all branches of military. PGR membership is filled with volunteers from all walks of life and all backgrounds joined together with one purpose: honor our veterans, shield the families from disruptions if their hero has fallen, and respect our military and support the men and women who sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
2023
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has a mission to care for children and their families along their brain tumor journey, to find a cure to put an end to the deadliest form of childhood cancer, and to help patients thrive beyond their diagnosis. The Daredevil Spectacular in 2023 aimed to raise awareness for the organization and proceeds from the Limited Edition Daredevil Spectacular posters illustrated by Darren McKeag benefitted the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation
2009 and 2010
The mission of the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation springs from the mission of the hospital it serves. The Foundation generates financial support to carry out Rapid City Regional Hospital's mission: To provide and support health care excellence in partnership with the communities we serve.
Red Cross
Socks for Troops
2007
Rupert’s Kids
2005-2011
Rupert's Kids is a nonprofit organization that stems directly from the vision of Rupert Boneham. It strives to both help and teach troubled youth in the community. You may recognize Rupert from TV’s Survivor or from seeing him speak in person.
Sky Ranch for Boys
2010
Sky Ranch for Boys has a long history of providing troubled kids with a fresh start and a second chance. Each generation brings its own special issues and concerns, but the special relationship between boys and the ranch environment has proven to be a powerful and timeless one. In 2010, half of the rider’s proceeds from the annual Legends Ride celebrity charity event benefitted the organization.
Snipersonline USA
2010
Snipersonline works to provide an electronic network to those dedicated to the improvement of the sniping profession, furthering the knowledge base for law enforcement and military sniping.
Sons of Light Ministry
2005-2012
This ministry is dedicated to feeding the bikers, body and soul. They travel to different rallies and set up in campgrounds where they provide a free pancake breakfast for the bikers. In addition they have tables set up with bibles, tracts and children’s books that are free for the taking. As ordained missionaries they perform baptisms, weddings and provide Christian counseling.
South Dakota Youth and Hunting Program
2011
Special Operations Charity Network
2021
The Special Operations Charity Network supports veterans and their families in many ways and each year supports more than 200 ex-service men and women. Sgt. Will Gardner is a heart-warming movie about a troubled Iraqi war veteran who is struggling to reintegrate into society after he returns home. As part of his personal journey, he sets out on a cross-country bike road trip to find himself and repair his relationship with his son. Participants donated for a chance to win an exact replica of the custom-made motorcycle featured in the movie with proceeds benefiting the Special Operations Charity Network.
St. Croix Valley Snipers
2008
State of South Dakota
2011
Sturgis Center for the Arts
2010
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
2007-2011
The Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride started in Deadwood and concluded at the Chip. Half of the riders’ contributions were provided to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Also in 2011 half of the Bikers Belle riders contributions were provided to the Museum.
Suicide Rides for Hope
2007
The Bob Woodruff Foundation/American Thunder/Wounded Warrior
2011
American Thunder promotes the Bob Woodruff Foundation charity that invests in programs which connect troops to the services they need, including physical rehabilitation and counseling, education, employment and financial assistance, as well as help with larger issues like homelessness and suicide.
Treasured Lives
2021
Rescuing, sheltering and supporting victims of sex trafficking. Educating communities on how to stop sex trafficking in its tracks. Non-profit funded and let by survivors of sex trafficking.
United Blood Services
2005-2011
United Blood Services exists to make a difference in people’s lives by bringing together the best people, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and embracing continuous quality improvement.
US Air Force
2007-2011
Offutt Air Force Base is home of the 55th Wing, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, and a variety of partner units. Offutt's diverse missions and global responsibilities put it on the cutting edge of the Air Force's transformation. Each branch of the US military is represented among the approximately 10,000 military and federal employees assigned here. Offutt is a beautiful community situated near the Missouri River in the rolling hills of southeastern Nebraska.
