Sarah Harrington

(8/22) "In the name of one child, we ride for many." For ten years now, participants in Scotty’s Ride have taken great pride in this motto. The participants main focus is raising awareness and giving support to families of children with life threatening illnesses and ongoing medical financial struggles. On September 26th, bikers of all kinds will gather together to ride for the cause in the 10th annual Scotty’s Ride.

Scotty’s Ride was created in 2006 by Kerry Shorb and Valerie Rhoderick, in an effort to raise funds to contribute to their great nephew, Scott Harbaugh’s, medical bills. Harbaugh was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. After Scotty’s passing it was decided that the funds from the ride would be donated to families in the surrounding communities that struggled with paying medical bills for their children.

The ride grows larger each year. By the time engines are running and have left the parking lot, there are 200 or more riders participating. Riders will be able to register for the cause on the day of the ride at Jubilee Foods in Emmitsburg. Registration will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Riders will start their engines at 10 a.m.

Each year the riders participate in a Poker Run. Throughout the ride there are five stops at different locations. At each stop riders draw a playing card, three cash prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place poker hands.

This year’s stops will include, Blue Ridge Sportsman Association Mountain House, Greenwood Tavern Dave and Jane’s Crab House, with the final stop at Kerry and Valerie’s home for the after party. The location is at 11322 Harney Road, Emmitsburg and the party begins at 3 p.m. The ride will be held rain or shine, as it has been in the past.

This party is open to everyone. Those who do not participate in the ride can still support the cause. With a $25 dollar donation you can enjoy live entertainment, great food, prizes, and great company. Admission for children ages 7-12 is $10. Children age 6 and under have free admittance. Shorb explains, "We usually invite the families that we have donated to, to come out and enjoy the party."

Guests will enjoy music from the band Redline. In addition to door prizes, this year’s participants will have the chance to win a new Indian Motorcycle or $10,000. Anyone can purchase tickets for $10 a piece; they will be selling a total of 2,500 tickets. If you wish to buy or sell tickets contact Kerry at 301-471- 2045 or 301-447-6600.

Scotty’s Ride began as a fundraiser to support one family, as of last year the organization has helped over 30 families. Shorb announces, "I am excited that it is our 10th year and how far we’ve come!"

In July, Kerry, Valerie, and friends from Scotty’s Ride made the trip to Tennessee to deliver a $10,000 check to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Including this donation the couple says they have donated over $90,000 to children and their families in need.

For more information about the cause and how to get involved visit their website, www.scottys-ride.org.