Fergus Falls is gearing up for the much-anticipated 3rd annual Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride & Benefit, scheduled for August 26, 2023.
This heartfelt event was established in 2021 to honor the memory of Jimmy Noplos, a beloved figure in the community, and to give back to those who serve.
This year’s benefit will support a courageous local teenager, Alex Trinkle, who is facing a rare and challenging battle with cancer.
Jimmy Noplos, a man known for living life to the fullest, was the inspiration behind the Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride.
After his tragic murder in 2021, his wife Marie Noplos, along with friends, family, and the community, came together to bring Jimmy’s dream to life.
The ride is dedicated to honoring the service community, including military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, and more, while also providing support to families facing difficult times.
In its first two years, the Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride raised over $35,000, demonstrating the overwhelming support and compassion of the community.
This year, the spotlight is on Alex Trinkle, a 16-year-old from Fergus Falls, who has shown incredible strength in the face of a rare form of bone cancer known as Ewing sarcoma.
Alex’s passion for the outdoors, military history, and family values has deeply resonated with the community.
Despite experiencing debilitating pain in his leg, Alex’s condition remained a mystery after numerous medical visits.
Tragically, shortly after receiving his driver’s license, Alex was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.
His journey has involved months of rigorous treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery.
The Trinkle family has faced the challenges of constant checkups and extensive travel for treatment, highlighting the immense emotional and financial toll of battling a serious illness.
Marie Noplos, the driving force behind the Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride, expressed her determination to support Alex and his family during this difficult time.
She emphasized that 100% of the proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the Trinkle family’s medical expenses, travel costs, and other related needs.
The Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride & Benefit is set to take place on August 26 at the Eagles Ship #2339 in Fergus Falls.
The event will feature a fun run with various vehicle fleets, including motorcycles, Jeeps, and more, traveling through the scenic roads of Otter Tail County.
In addition to the ride, attendees can participate in a shirt fundraiser, gun raffle, and silent auction, all aimed at raising funds for the Trinkle family.
Donations and ticket sales for the event are currently being accepted at the I-94 emr Speedway on August 18 and 25, from 5-7 p.m.
For those who wish to contribute, a fund has been set up at Bell Bank in Fergus Falls, or donations can be made through the Go Fund Me account.
Marie Noplos can also be contacted directly at FergusFallenRide@yahoo.com for more information.
The Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride embodies the spirit of community and compassion, as Fergus Falls comes together once again to support a local family in need.
With a shared commitment to honoring Jimmy Noplos’s legacy and helping those facing adversity, this year’s event promises to be a heartwarming and impactful experience for all involved.
For more information and updates on the Fergus Fallen Memorial Ride & Benefit, please visit their Facebook page.