$16,000 raised by Survivor Ride

The First Annual Survivor Ride and Benefit was held last Saturday, raising over $16,000 in proceeds for this year’s chosen recipient, Bonnie Webb. Over 100 bikes gathered at Knoxville Harley Davidson on Clinton Highway for the event. The entourage traveled up Clinton Highway and down by Bull Run steam plant on Edgemore Road and on to Pellissipi Parkway, where they headed South towards Alcoa. Once in Alcoa, the police stopped traffic at every red light allowing the benefit bikers to drive through the traffic safely. The group then took Highway 411 in Maryville and followed it to their destination at the Valley Grove Baptist Church in Seymour. Once at the church, the group of motorcyclist were provided with food, door prizes, and activities for the many children that were in attendance. There was a silent auction of donated items that helped raise money for the cause. The ride lasted for approximately six-hours, beginning at 3 p.m. and winding down between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Webb, who is suffering from breast cancer and was chosen as this year’s recipient, was in attendance along with her friend Mary, who is going through chemotherapy with her. Dawn Irwin, one of the event organizers, said she was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for the benefit. “It was very hot,” said Irwin. “Everybody was a little warm but it was well worth it and nobody complained at all. This will be an annual event that we’ll put together every year. We’ll try to keep all of the proceeds, that we stand to raise, in the community for people who are going through a hard time. Anyone who has ever been affected by cancer knows what a hard time it is.” • Photos of the First Annual Survivor Ride and Benefit will be featured in next week’s edition of The Seymour Herald.