Bike ride to benefit Sutton - Money raised will help the for

[totalmotorcycle]

Bike ride to benefit Sutton - Money raised will help the former police captain pay for medical care following his stroke.
12/08/06
Friday, December 8, 2006 - By Heath Hooper, Rome News-Tribune - news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news768143.html




Romans will rev their engines for a good cause at State Mutual Stadium on Saturday at a benefit motorcycle run for former Floyd County police officer Capt. Stanley Sutton.

Everett Ballard, a friend of Sutton’s for more than 40 years, is organizing the ride. Proceeds will be used to help defray medical costs for Sutton, who retired from the police force after suffering a stroke last May that severely limited the use of the right side of his body.

Though he is slowly recovering and can now walk with assistance, Sutton continues to need therapy and professional care that his insurance will not cover.

Saturday’s fundraiser follows a number of others held by the police department and the local community, including a benefit gospel concert and a golf tournament held earlier this year.

Ballard said he’s hoping for about 500 riders Saturday, but he’ll be thankful for whoever shows up. “Anything that we raise will be a blessing,” he said, adding that he expects to get about $3,500 for his friend. Some of that money has already been raised via ads that Ballard sold for the ride’s commemorative T-shirt, he said.

Riders can sign up for Saturday’s run at State Mutual Stadium on Veterans Memorial Highway from 10 a.m. until noon. There is a $25 entry fee per bike, but passengers ride for free. Each paid rider will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and door prizes will be given away throughout the signup period.

The run will begin at noon, and will take riders on a 77-mile trek through northern Floyd County, bringing them back to the stadium. “It’ll be a nice ride,” Ballard said. “It’ll be good countryside riding.”

IF YOU GO

What: Motorcycle Ride to benefit Stanley Sutton

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Begins at State Mutual Stadium, Veterans Memorial Highway

Length: 77 miles

How much: $25 per bike