Here's Eddie and Rhonda displaying the T-shirt from Riding for Missions.
Look for Eddie at bike night on Thursday in Tuscaloosa in front of Ken's Downtown Pizza and Grill. (Right next to Rythum and Brews)
Three years ago, a group of over 20 members from Chapel Hill Baptist Church were planning a mission trip to Ukraine. As they brainstormed ideas of ways to raise funds, Billy Ray Hicks, a church member and avid motorcycle rider, suggested a bike ride. The idea took legs, spearheaded by Eddie Fulmer and Rhonda Dunn, with the support of other members. About 50 bikers showed up for the event. Last year was another huge success with over 70 bikers and the money going to support several local mission projects. All money goes directly to the charity with expenditures provided by donations.
This year the “Riding for Missions” group decided to help out The Kings Ranch and Hannah Home. Mr. Lew Burdette, from the Kings Ranch group, made the trip to Northport to speak to the congregation about the work that their group does to help abused women and children several weeks prior to the ride on June 16.
Sponsors for T-shirts were secured and a youth from the Hannah Home drew the logo for the front of the shirt. Eddie and Rhonda coordinated planning, soliciting for door prizes and getting other members to assist.
The ride began with registration at The Leather Shop in Northport and concluded with grilled burgers after a 1 ˝ hour drive. The cold iced tea and homemade desserts were a big hit on this hot summer day. Approximately 40 bikes were escorted by three Northport motorcycle officers. Two representatives from the Hannah Home drove down to join the lunch held at the church.
“We plan to make this an annual event. We can minister to those who are less fortunate, share the blessings we have with others, and reach out to the biking community” Eddie said. Rhonda added, “We really get into this; we love doing it!”