ROCKINGHAM – A large group of friends, family, patrons, and motorcycle riders were on hand Saturday afternoon, July 28, at Hudson Brothers Deli in Rockingham to show support for Sarah McDuffie, a long-time employee who is now recovering at home from open heart surgery. Organizers included Robin Roberts, manager at Hudson Brothers; Scottie Honeycutt Wallace of the VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary; and the Ol Skool Tribe, a local motorcycle club.
The restaurant was decorated with pictures of Sarah, her children Dustin (11) and Joseph (3), as well as beautiful fresh flowers and scented candles. Sarah was accompanied by her mother, who lives in Ocean Isle, and sons, and there was a special table where she visited with friends that came to support her.
She shared that her surgery occurred on June 18, and that she had 3 blood clots in her lungs, and 3 blood clots in her legs, as well as an aneurysm in her heart. Sarah’s recovery is coming along well, and she hopes to return to work by September. The doctors told her she has a clotting disorder, and she will probably need to be on a blood thinner for the rest of her life.
The motorcycle ride began a little after 3 p.m., with 28 riders on 25 bikes. They crossed Highway 74, went down Airport Road to 177 South and traveled down to Cheraw in the 90+ degree heat, taking a quick break and then returning to Hudson Brothers via US 1 North shortly after 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, a varied group of talented musicians entertained the crowd awaiting the bikers’ return. Among the singers and performers were Chris Herring, Roger Campbell, Chuck Smith, Charity Davis, Nikki Fletcher, Patrick Razon, Merv Celso, William Toler, Franklin Branch, Shane Glaze, Meghan Bradley, and Wayne Humphries. Jason Singleton of The Ponder Project set up the equipment for them.
A delicious spread of grilled hot dogs, baked beans, potato chips, homemade chili, slaw, sweet tea and water was enjoyed when the riders returned. Money from the hot dog plate sales went to Sarah. A 50/50 drawing for the bike ride donations was held with the winner donating those funds back to Sarah. Also, the bands donated their tips back to her, and Rex Hudson is making a donation. Jerry Suggs of the VFW Post 4203 came in later with collard sandwiches, and the folks that stayed late were fortunate to get some of them.
Some of the Ol Skool Tribe in attendance included Eddie Dean, Jamie Watson, Johnny Patrick, Robbie Carter, Gene Cox, and Keith Nunn. The group has another fundraiser coming up in September, and more information will be shared as details are finalized.
Sarah stated that she appreciated all of the people coming out to show their love and support, both emotionally and financially. She is looking forward to getting back to work as soon as the doctors give her a medical clearance.
