NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA is kicking off an annual campaign it says is critical to preserving its mission of promoting healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

In August, the organization got a boost from Doomsday, a local motorcycle riding club that combines their love for riding with a desire to help the local community. A fundraising ride helped Doomsday collect more than $1,500 to donate to the Y’s Open Doors Scholarship for members who lack the resources to pay for a full YMCA membership.

“We love the community, and we were looking for ways that we could help,” said Dana Meyer of the Doomsday organization. “We were happy to support the Y because we thought it was a good fit.”

Meyer said the ride attracted 117 participants and nearly seven dozen motorcycles, making it one of the biggest rides ever held by the organization.