LAPLACE — Only the truly special Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center can bring together joy-riding motorcycle riders, family and friends of officers who sacrificed everything in the line of duty and thoughts of a pig named Harley for the cause of helping the community’s disabled residents.

This motley cast of characters is getting together for the 17th time Sunday for the annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run.

Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the ride begins at 11 a.m. from LaPlace Travel Center on U.S. 51 near Interstate 10.

The cost is $30 for a single rider and $50 for a rider with a passenger.

Funds generated through registration help sustain the Therapeutic Riding Center.

Executive Director Anita Hefler said the Center is located in LaPlace and operates on an $80,000 budget.

There are two part-time employees who care for the horses, and everyone else volunteers.

“Our biggest costs are feed and hay, followed by veterinary care, supplies and insurance costs,” Hefler said, adding classes began in 1993 with two horses, three riders and a rider fee of $25. “To this date, we have never raised our fees, and those who cannot afford the fee are not turned away for their inability to pay.

“The program now serves over 30 children and adults with disabilities per month with eight horses and a donkey. Those with disabilities already face higher costs for care. We don’t want to add to our riders’ financial burden and feel that the onus is on us to raise money for the program.”

Harley for Horses is the Center’s biggest and most important fundraiser. The Center does not receive state, federal or parish funding and generates its operational income through individual and corporate donations and support from St. John United Way and United Way of St. Charles.

For years, Harley for Horses enjoyed the support of deputy Brandon Nielsen, who organized the charity event’s police escort — “I would only have to make one call,” Hefler said.

Tragically, Nielsen was killed, along with Jeremy Triche, during the line of duty in August 2012. Two other deputies, Jason Triche and Michael “Scott” Boyington, were wounded.

The four will be honored as part of the ride. After lunch at Manny’s, Ascension, St. James and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies block intersections and bring the group to the endpoint.

“The ride continues to be held in memory of Brandon Nielsen,” Hefler said.

“Time heals a lot of wounds, but we don’t ever want anyone to forget the sacrifices of Brandon, Jeremy, Jason and Scott. We want to do our part to honor, ‘never forget’ and help, even in a small way, when we can, as they always helped us with Harley for Horses.”

The event concludes with live music and raffles from 3 to 6 p.m. at Baba’s Sports Grill on Main Street in LaPlace. The music is free for riders and costs $10 at the door for all others.

Funds raised at the door go to the “Fallen Four” — “Jason and Scott, and the families of Brandon and Jeremy will split the proceeds,” Hefler said.

For more information, call 985-651-5239 or email anita@gnotrc.com.

The ride is open to any make motorcycle, having a Harley is not a requirement.

The event draws its name from Harley the pig, the Center’s mascot that passed away in 2011.