ROCKINGHAM – When many people in Richmond County were enjoying Father’s Day on Sunday with their families eating a big meal inside cool homes or restaurants, a group of gentlemen-and ladies- who enjoy motorcycle riding and raising money for worthy causes did just that—for Dawn Grooms, who will be representing Richmond County and North Carolina in the National Special Olympics in July.
Known as the Ol Skool Tribe, with Gary Holt serving as president and Eddie Dean serving as vice-president, these riders met at the VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham on Sunday for a fundraiser that would add to money that has already been raised for Dawn to help with expenses for this cross-country trip to Seattle, Washington.
VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary President Robin Roberts, along with Dean and Holt, wanted to assist Dawn with raising funds for her trip. Dawn has been very involved as a volunteer with activities at the VFW for many years.
More than a dozen motorcycle enthusiasts participated, which took the group on a picturesque ride from Rockingham to Cheraw to Morven and back to the VFW, where they cooled off with a tasty lunch of hot dogs and potato chips, and lots of ice water. Donations were given by the riders, and tickets were also sold for a 50/50 Raffle. The winner of the raffle donated his winnings back to Dawn, which allowed Ol Skool Tribe to present Dawn with a total of $373 towards her expenses for the National Special Olympics.
A total of 61 athletes representing our state will gather in Charlotte on June 30 to fly as a group to the Nationals in Seattle on July 1-6. Dawn will be representing the state of North Carolina in the game of Bocce. Her coach, Kevin Rumley, is from Asheville, NC.
There are four Bocce players from the state, and Dawn will be competing in Singles, Doubles, and also as a member of the Four Person Team. Dawn’s parents and her two sisters Shannon and Lyn will also be traveling to Seattle, Washington, to provide support for Dawn during the competition.
Dawn is looking forward to the trip and making new friends, she stated. This will be her first time as a representative of Richmond County for the National Special Olympics, but she hopes there will be more in the future!
