Almost $1,500 raised in toy ride for Pence Place

ROCKINGHAM — Local bikers rolled out of the parking lot of the Hide-A-Way Tavern early Saturday afternoon to make Christmas a little more special for special needs children in Richmond County.

Although participation was light compared to other rides in the past, the event raised nearly $1,500 to buy gifts for children housed at Pence Place in East Rockingham, according to organizer Taylor Lingren.

Affiliated with Monarch, Pence Place has been in operation for more than 30 years and serves children up to age 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

The ride portion of the 2023 fundraiser was canceled due to rain, the event still raised $3,760 for the cause.

That bounty allowed the bikers to spend more than $480 per child and purchase $130 worth of books for the Pence Place staff to read to the kids.

Lingren said there are two more fundraisers planned for the cause, including selling tickets for a grill and an adult prom in October “to help us finish raising money for their Christmas.”

On June 29, Playaz Elite Motorcycle Club is hosting a benefit ride for one of its brothers diagnosed with cancer. The ride will include an auction and 50/50 drawing and all donations will be accepted.

The cost to ride is $20 for singles and $25 for doubles.

For more information, contact “Light Skin” at 910-995-0271 or “Blaze” at 910-206-0088.

See more photos below.