WHITE LAKE — The ninth annual Camp Clearwater Motorcycle Ride is planned for Saturday, Sept. 12, starting and ending at Camp Clearwater Chapel at White Lake.
Registration is set to take place from 8 until 9:30 a.m. The ride will depart the campground at 10 a.m. Cost is $25 per motorcycle and $35 with rider.
Donnie Weaver, one of the ride’s organizers said, “It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year.”
He added that the proceeds from the ride will go towards helping needy children at Christmas. Weaver said the group helps between 20 to 25 children each year. One year, the group built a handicapped ramp for a child at her home, said Weaver.
He said the group usually gets the children’s names from the Bladen County Department of Social Services. Weaver said once the group has the names, they will purchase items such as clothing, winter coats, food and toys, all according to the needs of the children.
The ride will travel about 80 to 90 miles, according to Weaver, ending up back at the campground where riders will be treated to a pork chop dinner.
“We ride mostly on country roads and make a stop along the way where the riders can get food, snacks, purchase gas or whatever they may want,” said Weaver.
Weaver said there were about 70 bikes that took part in last year’s event and he is expecting about 100 motorcycles for this year’s ride. He said some of the riders have taken part in the each ride over the past nine years, but Weaver said new folks join the ride each year.
Weaver said in addition to the ride and meal, there will be an auction and a 50/50 drawing. There will also be drawings for door prizes.
He said all one has to do to take part in the ride is to register on the morning of the ride.
“We just have a good time,” said Weaver of the event.
He said folks are also welcome to stay at the campground for the weekend. Camp Clearwater Chapel has a worship service at 9 a.m. and they provide a children’s church. Weaver said the worship service is open to the public.
—Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.