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Kutter event will give survivor special trip

JANESVILLE — When Kutter Harley-Davidson/Buell first told Marnie Harris it wanted to raise money to give her a trip to Italy, she turned it down.

“I just felt like there must be somebody more deserving of it,” Harris said.

But the fundraiser organizers insisted, and she’s now grateful and humbled by the honor, she said.

Harris will be the recipient of the first “Make a Difference” event at Kutter on Saturday.

The event aims to honor one cancer survivor each year by raising money for the recipient to use however he or she wants, said Lucy Anderson, Kutter events director.

The committee was unanimous in its choice of Harris, Anderson said. Harris battled breast cancer nine years ago. She was in remission until three years ago, when she was diagnosed with stage-four bone cancer, which she’s still fighting, she said.

Harris is active with the American Cancer Society and works as an assistant to a plastic surgeon reconstructing the breasts of women who have had mastectomies.

“(Harris) has an unbelievable spirit and faith about her that resonates when you’re around her,” Anderson said.

Activities include a benefit ride, food, raffles and music.

All bikes and vehicles will be welcome in the ride. Riders can register and leave any time between 9 and 11 a.m. for $10 a person and will be eligible for a $300 prize basket.

Harris hopes to use the money to take a dream trip to Italy. “It’s just been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a little girl,” she said.