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By DANIEL CAUDILL/Correspondent
It all began four years ago when Brian and Sally Davis began raising money for Barren Springs cancer patient Karen Goad. The Davises decided a charity bike ride would be fitting for Karen as she was a motorcycle enthusiast herself. The ride for Karen was hosted by the couple at their local business, Hilly Haven Market in Barren Springs. After raising $1,300, it was clear that this event would continue in the years to come.
The following year, the couple planned a similar event to benefit a young cancer patient named Hayden Moore. Moore, who was being treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, passed away shortly before the event could take place. Deciding to continue with the event, the Davises partnered with Scott Stevens and WPSK 107.1 Country Radio to ensure all proceeds went to St. Jude. That year nearly $3,300 was raised for the hospital.
“We have been working with St. Jude for about nine years now,” said Stevens. “We work with a program called Country Cares for St. Jude Kids.”
Country Cares is a program that involves the participation of country radio stations with the purpose of raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Country Cares was founded by Alabama band member Randy Owen and has donated more than $345 million to St. Jude with the help of radio stations nationwide. Stevens and WPSK have continued to work with Brian and Sally to promote the annual event. This year, WPSK was there to broadcast live for the 5th annual Hilly Haven Benefit Run that took place on Sunday.
People gathered early at Hilly Haven Market to buy raffle tickets, donate and register for the ride. Good weather accompanied by a large crowd made this a successful day. After registration, nearly 200 bikers fired their engines and left the Hilly Haven parking lot heading north on Virginia 100 to partake in the day’s ride. After the scenic journey of about 100 miles, participants arrived at the Barren Springs Volunteer Fire Department to share a meal and enjoy the rest of the evening. At the end of the day the total amount raised was $22,540—more than double last year’s total.
“It’s all been Brian and Sally,” said Stevens. “Those two are the ones who made this happen”
Brian and Sally have spent the better half of a year raising money and preparing for Sunday’s benefit ride.
“We began working on this in January,” said Sally. “It’s been a lot of work and there are times when it gets hectic and you feel like you’ve forgotten something important. But the hard work is worth it… when you see so many people give so much, even with the economy looking so bad.”
In fact, several people who were unable to ride still paid the entry fee while many riders gave more than was asked.
“We want this positive experience that so many people of this area are involved in to shed light on the grassroots feeling of this community,” said Brian.
The future looks bright in the years to come as Brian and Sally Davis continue to contribute their time and effort toward the cause.
“What you give is what you will get,” added Sally. “It’s a great feeling to know that what we are doing here can affect what happens out there.”
If you would like any information on St. Jude Children’s Hospital or would like to make a donation, visit http://www.stjude.org.
A Virginia Tech student, Daniel Caudill lives in Wytheville.
http://www.swvatoday.com/comments/charity_ride_brings_in_big_bucks/news/5441/
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