Riding for Pine Forest
Published 10:20 am Monday, July 18, 2016
Members of several motorcycle clubs are seen lining-up and leaving the Grapevine Café in downtown Woodland on the morning of July 9 as they begin a 73-mile mile journey that served as a fundraiser for Pine Forest Rest Home in Potecasi. | Contributed Photos by Danny Bowman Jr.
By BETTY F. JONES
Correspondent
WOODLAND – Fundraisers here involving motorcycle clubs are fast becoming the norm rather than the exception.
The roar of the engines came to life on July 9 as the Free Spirit Riders Motorcycle Club sponsored an event to raise funds for Pine Forest Rest Home in nearby Potecasi.
As the bikers made their way inside the Grapevine Café on Main Street in downtown Woodland, it was easy to sense excitement in the air as the riders were in great spirits to hit the road and take part in this fundraising event.
Pine Forest Rest Home Manager Luther Jenkins (left) thanks one of the riders representing the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle of Fayetteville for taking part in the July 9 fundraiser.
After an official welcome and a prayer for a safe ride, Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith performed the honor of leading the 40-plus bikers out of Woodland as they began their 73-mile journey. The group traveled on US 258 south through Rich Square, eventually turning onto NC 561 to Halifax and from there on US 301 to Weldon. The bikers started their return leg home on US 158, traveling through Jackson and Conway, where made the turn onto NC 35 for a short ride back to Woodland.
However, the ride was just a pre-cursor of what was to come.
Gathering back inside the Grapevine Café, the bikers and other guests satisfied their hunger pains by filling their plates with the outstanding food (buffet style) as prepared by restaurant owner Barbara Outland and her staff.
As for the money raised by the ride, it came as a blessing to Pine Forest Rest Home Manager Luther Jenkins.
“I wish to thank everyone for coming out today and supporting the rest home,” Jenkins said at the conclusion of the meal.
Jenkins provided a brief history of Pine Forest, saying it was established in 1949. The facility is home to 23 residents, and all beds are currently full. He said there is a waiting list to live at the rest home.
“We are the only non-profit rest home in the state of North Carolina,” Jenkins noted. “Because of that, we have to rely on donations from area churches, organizations and individuals to cover our operating expenses. Events such as this motorcycle ride and meal help us cover our expenses and again I thank you for what you are doing today.”
He also said that Pine Forest Rest Home is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors.
Before Jenkins could return to his seat inside the restaurant, officials with the Free Spirit Riders Motorcycle Club handed him an envelope containing over $1,500 – the proceeds generated by the July 9 event.
The Free Spirit Club recognized other clubs taking part in the fundraiser. That group included RPM, West Roanoke Crusaders For Christ, Rusty Spokes, Buffalo Soldiers, and 561 Wheels.
Free Spirit Riders Motorcycle Club was formed earlier this year and currently has 11 members and three new prospects.
“We are proud to support Pine Forest Rest Home and the residents there,” said one of the members of Free Spirit Riders. “Some of our members have had previous interaction with Pine Forest. As for myself, I have an aunt that is a resident at Pine Forest. I’m impressed with the open door policy and the open (financial) book policy at that rest home.
“I think anyone visiting Pine Forest Rest Home will be impressed with everything there, to include the care the staff provides the residents and the overall environment there. I feel our club will grow in number and that means our adopted home (Pine Forest) will benefit from our growth.”
At the conclusion of the meal, everyone was invited to the Lost Riders clubhouse for entertainment by Lucas Ireland.