Bikers raise record amount during pandemic - collect food and supplies to bolster Food Roundup

More than 30 motorcycle riders took part in the annual “Ride to Clyde” on October 10, raising just over $90,000 for Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH). It is a record amount for the event celebrated its fifth anniversary.

The abbreviated ride, organized by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC), was held in Thomasville due to the pandemic. The event was forced to reschedule twice, at first because of COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year and later because the remnants of a tropical storm created treacherous riding conditions.

Cheers and shouts of delight broke out from the riders gathered outside Rich Fork Baptist Church in Thomasville when an original total of $75,000 was announced. Later, after riders had departed, more contributions were tallied bringing the total to $90,564. The Ride to Clyde has now generated in excess of $275,000 for BCH through the event’s five years.

Davis, who previously served with BSCNC and is now a part of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Faith Health Division, co-founded Ride to Clyde with Rit Varriale, Pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby.

“We would have been excited about any amount this year,” Davis said, “but we are very excited about this exceedingly wonderful amount we have received.”

Davis explained that the majority of Ride to Clyde contributions are small from many people rather than large gifts from a few.

BCH honored Davis and Varriale with “Friends of Children” awards for their work in coordinating Ride to Clyde. Recipients of the award are chosen by Michael C. Blackwell, BCH President/CEO.