The 2008 4th Annual Hendrick Charity Ride was a complete success. This year was my second year volunteering for the event and I had a blast. I can't wait to volunteer for next years event.
Bikers continue legacy of generosity
By: Kate Gaier
FORT MILL, S.C. – Bikers gathered at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C., Sunday had one thing in mind – riding to remember a friend.
That friend was Ricky Hendrick, who died in a plane crash in 2004. Inspired by Hendrick's generosity in life, his friends created the Hendrick Charity Ride to keep his cause rolling. All the money raised goes toward Levine Children's Hospital.
"One of the things Ricky did was he was a giving person," Tom Jennings, with the Hendrick Charity Ride, said. "Anything he ever had he gave away to somebody else. If he only had one he'd try to find two."
With that mentality in mind, friends said the reasoning for the event was simple.
"Just thought it would be nice to get out and do something with the community and ride together," York resident Bill Wiggins said.
Wiggins brought his son Jordan along for the ride. It's their first time riding for Ricky -- and Bill says it won't be their last.
"I think it's going to be really cool and really loud," Jordan said.
Despite their often hard-edged reputation, the bikers at the event said it's about riding safely and raising money for the children.
"My main thing is the kids, make sure they get what they need," rider Jerry Starkley, said.
And with thousands of motorcycles in tow, that shouldn't be too difficult.
"Everybody kind of knew what kind of a giving person [Hendrick] was and this is a way for us to give back," Jennings said.
Riders raised more than $200,000 through the annual charity ride.
Copyright © 2008 News 14
The day started off at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, SC, at 7am where us volunteers checked in bike riders.
Bikers continue legacy of generosity
By: Kate Gaier
FORT MILL, S.C. – Bikers gathered at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C., Sunday had one thing in mind – riding to remember a friend.
That friend was Ricky Hendrick, who died in a plane crash in 2004. Inspired by Hendrick's generosity in life, his friends created the Hendrick Charity Ride to keep his cause rolling. All the money raised goes toward Levine Children's Hospital.
"One of the things Ricky did was he was a giving person," Tom Jennings, with the Hendrick Charity Ride, said. "Anything he ever had he gave away to somebody else. If he only had one he'd try to find two."
With that mentality in mind, friends said the reasoning for the event was simple.
"Just thought it would be nice to get out and do something with the community and ride together," York resident Bill Wiggins said.
Wiggins brought his son Jordan along for the ride. It's their first time riding for Ricky -- and Bill says it won't be their last.
"I think it's going to be really cool and really loud," Jordan said.
Despite their often hard-edged reputation, the bikers at the event said it's about riding safely and raising money for the children.
"My main thing is the kids, make sure they get what they need," rider Jerry Starkley, said.
And with thousands of motorcycles in tow, that shouldn't be too difficult.
"Everybody kind of knew what kind of a giving person [Hendrick] was and this is a way for us to give back," Jennings said.
Riders raised more than $200,000 through the annual charity ride.
Copyright © 2008 News 14
The day started off at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, SC, at 7am where us volunteers checked in bike riders.
The first bike out was at 11:30 ending up at the infield of Lowe's Motor Speedway. The volunteers that worked the morning shift at Knights Stadium were invited to attend the activities at the speedway which included, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, an appearance by Rick Hendrick, motorcycle give away, show cars from Hendrick Motorsports, Ricky Hendrick's late model and craftsman truck, a live performance by Blake Wise, and much more.
It was good to see Emily and little Ricki again and friends that I made from last years charity ride.
For more information about the charity event visit The Hendrick Charity Ride.
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