Organizers Expect More Than 1,000 Participants

By Jed Blackwell Editor The Foothills Thunder Motorcycle Club's Ride For Chelsey, a fundraiser for Chelsey Mitchell and her family will be held on Saturday, and event organizers are very happy with the advance support the ride has received. "It's just been unreal," said Foothills Thunder president and Inman Police Chief Glenn Henderson. "We've had people from all over call to donate, to volunteer their time, to offer to do anything they could to help. It really shows that this community is willing to help." The ride will raise money to help defray the cost of Chelsey Mitchell's medical bills. Mitchell was injured in an October auto accident. Henderson stressed that the event will be more than just a motorcycle ride. A huge raffle with many prizes is planned, along with a DJ and local dance students to provide entertainment and a hot dog and hamburger sale. "It's a true community event," he said. Registration for the ride will be held Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m., with 10 lines open for riders. Henderson said 1,500 or more motorcycles are expected. T-Shirts commemorating the ride will be available for purchase, as will a very limited number of hats. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Chapman High School, with the ride expected to commence promptly at 2 p.m. Riders will return to Chapman following the actual ride. Raffle drawings will take place all day, as prizes will be given out throughout the event. Prizes include a handmade quilt courtesy of Edna Wilkerson, a rocking chair from Carolina Hearth and Patio, a Honda motorcycle courtesy of BJ Motors, NASCAR and motorcycle memorabilia, and much, much more. Henderson said the club was looking forward to a successful event and a great day of fellowship. "We just want everybody to come out and have a good time, while donating to a good cause," he said. "We're so thankful to everyone who has helped us."