Home Local News PHOTOS: Back the Blue ride raises $1,700 for Christmas programs in Richmond,...

PHOTOS: Back the Blue ride raises $1,700 for Christmas programs in Richmond, Scotland counties

Members of Changing the Game Motorcycle Club of Laurinburg prepare to leave the Hide-A-Way Tavern during the fifth annual Back the Blue Ride. See more photos below. Photos by Camden Ratliff for the RO

ROCKINGHAM — More than 50 bikers participated in the fifth annual Back the Blue Ride, bringing in $1,721 to help local law enforcement provide presents for youngsters in Richmond and Scotland counties.

Although this year’s total is only a 10th of what was raised in 2023, it’s $1,000 more than the first ride collected — despite having quadruple the participation in 2020.

Click here to read about the inaugural Back the Blue ride.

The amount raised had grown steadily: $700 in 2020; $12,000 in 2021; $14,000 in 2022; and $17,000 in 2023.

The ride was started by longtime Laurinburg PD officer Chris Jackson — at the urging of his wife — following a nationwide backlash against law enforcement. Jackson took a break this year, with Kevin Powell, one of his fellow officers, taking the handlebars.

In a Facebook post, Jackson thanked Powell for stepping up and “keeping this ride alive,” with only a month and a half to plan.

In addition to the bikes, Powell said there was also participation from a fire truck and a Jeep.

The money raised will be split between the Rockingham and Laurinburg police departments, and the sheriffs’ offices in Richmond and Scotland County.

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The ride started at the Bistro in Laurinburg, with that group meeting up with others at the Hide-A-Way Tavern north of Rockingham. After leaving the bar, the convoy rolled past the law enforcement agencies in both counties.

The Rockingham Police Department posted a video as the bikes passed by.

After returning to the Bistro, live music was provided by the Blewett Dam Band.

Monetary donations will be accepted until Dec. 7. To make a donation, contact Powell through Facebook, or by email at kpowell@laurinburg.org.

Jackson is already making preparations for next year’s event.