On May 16, Sunrise Children’s Services held its annual “Ride (and Drive) to the Ranch” to raise money for Solid Rock Children’s Ranch that will eventually house up to two large sibling groups and their foster parents. Riders and drivers from around the state ended their ride at the Ephesus Baptist Church in Winchester where they celebrated and collected the money that was donated.

“Our friends, the Baptist Bikers of West Kentucky, they drove about five or six hours, and they brought $1,000,” shared Randy McPheron, the founder and president of Baptist Bikers of Kentucky. That amount was added to the nearly $4,600 brought in by McPheron’s Baptist Bikers. But money kept coming in that afternoon, including a gift of $810 from Ephesus Baptist Church and an online gift of $1,000. All total, $7,440 was raised on a mostly cloudy and eventually rainy Saturday.

Fortunately, the weather didn’t keep away 43 bikes and motorcycle riders who participated. “Man, I don’t know, that may be the most we’ve ever had,” stated McPheron.

But Stacie McLaughlin, the director of marketing at Sunrise, reminded the crowd what this event was truly about. “It’s about the kids, and every time we do this, it helps the kids,” McLaughlin began. “You know, our kids have seen more hurdles than helpers, and you guys are helpers. Every year you do this and love on them and help us. We’re going to get those kids up there at those houses!”

Judy Singleton, who donated her land to Sunrise for the construction of Solid Rock, was in the crowd smiling, celebrating, and cheering as her dream of seeing the completion of the two houses edged even closer to reality.

There were also other special guests in attendance. Music was provided by Nathan and Janie Platt and their daughter, Hannah, who welcomed the riders with song as they pulled into the parking lot. Nathan is the worship and media pastor at Central Baptist Church in Winchester.

And leading the bikers on their ride were the Blue Knights of Kentucky, a law enforcement motorcycle club. “We want to thank the Blue Knights,” said McPheron. “These guys are putting their life on the line serving the people.”

Also to be recognized were the Church of the Living God in Winchester, Boones Creek Baptist Association, and Ephesus Baptist Church for providing food, and Ale-8-One Bottling Company for providing the sodas.

Before the crowd dispersed inside the church to enjoy lunch, Dr. Todd Rader, the pastor of Ephesus Baptist, led the prayer. In his prayer, he shared these words: “We pray for Sunrise Children’s Services and specifically the Solid Rock Children’s Ranch and the families and children that will be ministered to there.”

As McLaughlin mentioned earlier in the day, that’s what this event is all about.

Article written by David Lyninger, director of communications at Sunrise Children’s Services