WORCESTER, Mass. - In what has become an annual tradition in Central Massachusetts, Project New Hope teamed up with hundreds of bikers to raise money Saturday. 

The eighth-annual Salute Our Veterans motorcycle ride raises money for the nonprofit, which has the mission of empowering service members, veterans, and their families through free retreats, supportive programs, wellness and education. They also have a food pantry, which also provides everyday essentials and baby supplies. Project New Hope Founder Bill Moore says the need for area veterans is still great.

"The need is incredible," Moore said. "Last week, we did our food pantry. We had 65 families in there. We're getting more and more every week here and, of course, we partnered with the city of Worcester here. We got a shipment of baby formula so we're able to provide the baby formula to the military and veteran's families that need that. So, it's very important."

"Our mission is to help support veterans and their families, much like Project New Hope," said Mike Booth of the Sons of Blackwater Military Motorcycle Club. "So, when we heard back in the day about their mission and their organization, it was right aligned with what we what we try to do."

Project New Hope estimated more than 250 bikes took part this year. Saturday's ride wrapped up at the American Legion Post on Vernon Street.