Help Our Veterans At The First Annual Ride For The Heroes In Lexington On May 18th!
Some folks never have the opportunity to have someone come into their life that leaves a huge impact. For Kathy Garrison, that person is Larry McCoy. Larry and Kathy have similar hearts and their work in aiding those in need brought them together. Mr. McCoy works with our veteran’s at the Hope Center in Lexington, Kentucky. A position he has held for many years. Kathy has spent many years helping those that fight the uphill battle of addictions. Their paths crossed and Larry showed Kathy how addiction affects many veterans.
This was a moment of clarity for Kathy. Her Father was a veteran, as is her brother, who served in the Marines and she will happily tell you that he is her hero. The issues the veterans were facing certainly hit close to home for Kathy and she approached Larry with an idea to help those in need, as well as a way to honor her father. Who unfortunately passed away in August 2015.
Seeing the many needs that the veteran’s wing at the Hope Center has Kathy approached Larry with an idea. An idea that she has now spent the last seven months shaping. The idea at its core is simple, a motorcycle ride where all of the proceeds will go to the veteran’s wing of the Hope Center, as well as the Wounded Warriors Project.
“Ride For The Heroes” looks to help address the multitude of supplies that are needed at the veteran’s wing of the Hope Center. Things like clothing, food, shelter, personal hygiene products, and so on. There are really just too many items to list.
So how do you get involved?
On May 18th, “ Ride For The Heroes” will begin at Renegade Classics. Which is located at 1315 Winchester Rd. Suite 321. Where it is situated in the Eastland Shopping Center in Lexington. Registration takes place from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., followed by the safety meeting at 10:45. Then at 11 a.m., the kickstands go up and the journey begins.
The ride route will take you from Lexington to Mt. Sterling through the countryside and back to Lexington where we will have some of Kentucky’s most talented musicians performing. See performances from County-Wide (Corbin,KY), Brad Hardin (Danville,KY), Josh Bogard (Taylorsville, KY) and Tyler Halsey (Richmond, KY).
Josh Bogard – “Cold Dead Hands” (Official Music Video):
The bands will be performing at Renegade Classics starting at 1 p.m. and going until 6 p.m. Then join us at Austin City Saloon in Lexington for the after party, which will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature Tyler Halsey.
There will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, auction items and there will also be food vendors on site. Ride For The Heroes has lined up plenty of donated items for the raffles. The cost is $15 for each bike and $5 for each additional rider. They will have a limited supply of t-shirts and patches for sale.
If you’d prefer to skip the signup line, there is an online option for you. Simply visit here.
County-Wide – “Home Grown” (Official Music Video):
Garrison adds, “My father was a man that was very honored to be able to sit and talk to any veteran.” She continues, “I want to be able to continue what he has done but go further with it. I want to give back in his honor. I invite as many people as possible to come ride with us to raise awareness that all military veterans, homeless or not, need our help, our love and support.”
McCoy and Garrison have set a goal of at least 200 riders in the first year. Garrison can be reached at 859-707-3526 after 5 p.m. during the week, through Facebook at the “Ride For The Heroes” event page or email at Kathyg1947@gmail.com
