Tiger Tale

APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA

Sharon Snyder and Matt Thieding, members of Local 1929 (Council 5), have worked at the Minnesota Zoo for 22 years. In fact, they met in front of the tiger cage, fell in love and married. Their passion for tigers and conservation could pay off handsomely for the zoo's foundation in June. That's when Thieding's big idea roars off: a benefit motorcycle trip for 150 riders and passengers, with raffle prizes topped by a Harley-Davidson valued at $15,000.

"We're proud that the union and zoo are working together," says zoo Dep. Dir. Connie Braziel, "and that the union is showing such strong support." Indeed, dozens of Local 1929 members are pitching in to help with "Ride 'n Roar," as the cycle event is called. Member Perry LaBelle designed a special patch. Other members will sell ride and raffle tickets and, at the event, serve food and cheer the riders on their journey through the countryside south of Apple Valley.

Thieding's Ride 'n Roar brainstorm stemmed from benefit rides offered by the nearby Harley dealership and in response to the devastating 2004 tsunami, which destroyed prime tiger habitat in Indonesia. He contacted the zoo's director of conservation, who promoted the idea to upper management. For more information, call the zoo foundation at (952) 431-9477.