More than 3,000 bikers hit the streets Sunday for the ninth annual Wounded Warrior Project charity ride, which cruises from New York City to Liberty State Park in Hackensack.

Through donations, the charity raises money for wounded soldiers while raising awareness about veterans' issues. Riders participating in the event say it's a fun way to be patriotic and raise money for service men and women.

"We're riding for the cause," Jeri Abrams, a charity rider, says. "I have a friend who's an amputee from Vietnam and, John, this is for you."

Bergen County Harley-Davidson, who sponsored the event, says people from up and down the east coast were in attendance to ride their motorcycles, donate money and watch the event.

"This is not just a Bergen County thing, there are people from Long Island, Connecticut, Maine and down south, so they're coming from all over the place," Liz DiGennaro, of Bergen County Harley-Davidson, says.

The ride began in New York City, passed ground zero and ended in Hackensack. Organizers say the majority of the funds raised come from the sale of T-shirts and pins, which are donated.