A group of local bikers rolled onto the campus of Pence Place in East Rockingham on Saturday, bearing gifts for the home’s young residents.
Taylor and Rob Lingren, both dressed as the Grinch, joined Santa (Robert Cobler) and his elf (Ella Carville) in unloading a trailer full of presents for the nine kids at Pence Place.
Other helpers included Becky, Ben, Jake and Kaylee Kephart, Corinne Watkins, and Angela and Kate Clifton.
Affiliated with Monarch, Pence Place has been in operation for more than 30 years and serves children up to age 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Once they age out, the residents are either placed in Monarch-affiliated adult homes or with other organizations.
The presents were bought using money collected during the second annual motorcycle ride in June, which raised nearly $1,500. Click here to read that story.
A Blackstone grill was also auctioned off to add to the coffers.
Gifts included new clothes, toys, bedding, soap, shampoo, body spray and blankets. The bedding was donated by J.M. Currie and Sons Hauling and Grading.
Taylor Lingren first organized the ride in 2023, to restart a tradition by a now-disbanded motorcycle club her father was associated with.
In 2022, Pence Place was only able to spend $75 per child, before receiving a donation from Mike Griffin.
The inaugural ride raised $3,700 and Lingren and company were able to spend more than $400 per child.
Lingren said there are plans for an adult prom next year.
See more photos from Terry Clark below.
NOTE: This story has been updated to add information. 5:55 p.m. 12-23-24
