Lake Waccamaw, N.C. – More than 150 motorcycles roared onto the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina campus Saturday, May 5, as part of the 2018 Lake Waccamaw Benefit Ride to support the children at B&GH.
This year’s event raised $8,965 among the participants. The two largest contributions were from American Legion Post 503 - Calabash, and American Legion Post 72 - Aberdeen. Additional contributions came from American Legion Post 232 – Garner, American Legion Post 167 - Hampstead, Beach House Harley Davidson Harley Owners Group, and Cape Fear Rumblers.
“This is the largest turnout we’ve had over the nine-year history of the event,” said Senior Development Director Gary Greene. “We are so grateful for this awesome group that is so full of compassion for our children.”
Created as an American Legion fundraising chapter challenge on the recommendation of B&GH Board Member Linda Reid Oldham, the event has grown over the years.
“It’s all about the kids,” said Rora Kellis, event co-coordinator. “This event helps foster relationships and gets bigger and better every time.”
Kellis and fellow event coordinator Sterling Page were honored with the presentation of “For the Love of Kids” pins.
“We are very particular about who we give these pins to,” said Greene. “These two gentlemen are definitely deserving of this honor after all they have done to support the children.”
The event remains one of the most anticipated events of the year for the children on campus, who selected the top three rides in the pack.
“This is an event the children look forward to each year,” said B&GH President Gary Faircloth. “Getting to see all the different motorcycles makes it a different kind of fun. The meal and fellowship serve as a benefit beyond the financial support by helping the children know that people care.”
An example of the expanding benefit came from the 50/25/25 drawing. One of the youth was given two sets of tickets from riders she had met during last year’s event. Through the random ticket selection, she won both halves of the 25/25 drawing.
“We truly appreciate everything that these riders do,” said Greene. “We look forward to seeing them again at next year’s ride on May 4, 2019.”
For more information about this special event, contact Rora Kellis at 910-603-1318 or rmkellis@live.com or Sterling Page at 910-209-1801 or sepage@atmc.net.
About Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc., has been helping children since 1954. Since then, more than 7,500 children have benefitted from the services of the not-for-profit, 501(c)3 agency. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive array of services for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other family dysfunction. B&GH offers adoption, family and therapeutic foster care, as well as residential care on the campus at Lake Waccamaw. The campus features a SACS-accredited public charter school with a middle and high school curriculum, vocational education, recreation facilities, farm, chapel and cottage life. As many as 260 vulnerable children are cared for through the residential and community-based services provided by B&GH at any given time. B&GH is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation. To learn more, visit www.boysandgirlshomes.org.
