ROCKINGHAM — A group of Richmond County motorcycle riders will be hosting their first fundraiser this weekend, with proceeds benefiting Richmond County Hospice.
The Independent Riders of Richmond County are hoping for other riders to join them Sunday in a run across the Sandhills to help an organization that has helped some of the group’s members and their families with end-of-life care.
Donnie Butler said Hospice was “wonderful” when taking care of his father several years ago before he passed.
“At the same time, when I lost my dad, my best friend, Hospice had to take care of me,” he recalled. “They have an outstanding grievance support system and I went out there for about three months to get my head screwed back on.”
So when he and other members of the group — including Jamie Watson and Bill Thompson — started talking about organizing a benefit ride, Hospice seemed like the right choice.
“I thought, this would be a good time to give back for what Hospice did for me,” he said. “Anybody that’s ever dealt with them and know what they have to do, you know what they’re going through.”
The more they started planning, the more the event grew. In addition to a ride, there will also be a car, bike and truck show.
And the ride isn’t just for motorcycles. All vehicles are invited to join the convoy, which will leave the Hospice parking lot and head up to PK Airpark, a skydiving drop zone in Raeford.
The route back will come through Wagram and “a beautiful country ride” down Hoffman Road and U.S. 1 back to Hospice.
Members have also issued a few challenges — one being if they can have 100 bikes in the ride, Butler and several others will throw in an extra $50 each.
“We’re looking for a good crowd,” he said.
A T-shirt design for the ride features a long list of sponsors from across the county.
In addition to the riding fees, the event will also raise money through plate sales, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. There will even be door prizes and “In Memory Of” ribbons available.
“We are excited about the ride and honored that the IRRC selected Richmond County Hospice as the beneficiary of this fundraiser,” said Julia Woody, director of public relations. “Thank you to each and everyone of the group that has worked so hard to make sure this event a success.”
Registration is at 1 p.m. with kickstands up at 2 p.m. The cost is $15 for single riders, $20 for doubles.
For more information or to contribute, contact:
- Donnie Butler at 910-280-8485
- Jamie Watson at 910-318-3775
- George Schaner at 910-387-6145
- Lin Jones at 910-331-2778
“If you support Hospice,” Butler said, “come out and ride.”
(Note: This story has been edited to denote the correct drop zone.)
