Special to The Daily Herald
On Aug. 16, the Gregory B. Davis Foundation’s eighth annual Ride for a Cause left from Collier Harley Davidson and rode a little over 100 miles to support prostate cancer.
The ride was very successful and well attended with 114 motorcyclists from Maryland to Raleigh Dr. Maurice Davis, event chair, shared “this was one of the best rides ever wherein we had over 100 riders riding over 100 miles for prostate cancer, plus everyone had a great time.”
Prior to the Bike Ride, GBDF sponsored two Prostate Cancer Men’s Team Spirit Breakfast meetings. One held on June 28 at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids with the second on Aug. 2 at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson. Dr. Natarajan Rajan, an area urologist, spoke at both events addressing all men in attendance. Food was provided by Hardee’s, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A of Roanoke Rapids. Staff from Halifax Regional volunteered their time and supplies to administer prostate screenings.
The culminating event was the Bike Ride for prostate cancer. The funds raised have been presented to two churches in the community who have ongoing programs to support prostate cancer awareness. These churches include Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson and First Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids. The Bike Ride ended at River Falls Park in Weldon with refreshments and awards. The winner for the club that traveled the longest distance went to the Muddy Waters Motorcycle Club from Emporia, Va.; the club with the most bikers in attendance went to the Free Spirit Riders from Conway; and the best bike in show was awarded to Tony Tann of Conway.
GBDF’s Board and Officers would like to thank all the persons involved in making this event a success. Contributors and partners included Collier Harley Davidson, Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, Garysburg Police Department, First Baptist Church of Roanoke Rapids, Roanoke Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, both of Jackson, Reser’s Fine Foods, Little Debbie Snacks – George Collins, Kappa Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Harvey Moseley of Raleigh, Sherman Fleming of Roanoke Rapids, as well as the numerous volunteers and supporters who made the event possible.
Formed in August 2000, the Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has the distinct mission to enhance the lives of youth and their families by developing and supporting health-related and educational programs and initiatives targeting Eastern North Carolina. For more information about GBDF and to see a gallery of photos from the Ride, visit www.gbdf.org.
Stay tuned for the next event sponsored by GBDF — the annual Valentine’s Gala with live entertainment scheduled for Feb. 14 at Kirkwood Adam Community Center. This event helps to provide financial support for the mission of GBDF.