Ride Summary

“Ride For Military Widows”

On behalf of the staff and residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village, we are thrilled to report that our Inaugural “Ride For Military Widows” held 11 October 2008 was a huge success thanks to your support! There were approximately 200 registered bikers in attendance and we raised over $11,000.

Great weather set the stage for a terrific ride throughout the Fort Walton Beach area and along the Sound on Highway 98. The thundering sound of motorcycles arriving at Bob Hope Village was a site to behold. Some of the high spots of the morning were a visit from Captain Billy Bowlegs (Dan Perri) and his Krewe and the beautiful sound of 2Lt Laurie Watkins’ singing the National Anthem as well as a southern breakfast catered by our Gentlemen of Teresa Village and served by our ladies of Bob Hope Village . Then it was to your bikes, start your engines and roll out with the Krewe leading the way. To quote one resident, “This is the most excitement I’ve seen in the village and it’s great”!

The poker run took the bikers to Pinch-A-Penny and Teresa Village where they partook in refreshments and homemade treats. Then it was off to Heritage Cycles and Honda Yamaha. From there the bikers traveled along the beautiful Sound on Highway 98 to Helen Back, Too and Helen Back on Okaloosa Island for the best pizza in town. The final destination landed the bikers at Scully’s on the Bayou to enjoy refreshments, food and fun after a hearty day of biking.

At Scully's the bikers could try their hand at the Black Jack table, courtesy of Pinch-a-Penny, as well as a massage from It's All About You Massage and Day Spa. All procceds were donated to the Air Force Enlisted Village. Bikers waited anxiously as tickets were drawn for the raffle items and the 50/50. Our 50/50 garnered $912. Winners of the Poker Run and 50/50 were:

1^st t - $500 Michael Mohrbacher

2^nd- $250 Sam Parr

3^rd - $100 Chris Zlata

Worst- $50 Gas Card Tom Rector

50/50 - $456 Tom Rector

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!

The icing on the cake ended with entertainment provided by “Kountry 4 U” where they sang a tribute to Scully’s which was sung by our own Dixie Gillyard of Teresa Village.

Our deepest appreciation goes out to the numerous sponsors and bikers who enabled us to achieve a successful fundraiser. We thank you so much! Your participation is what makes it all possible. We pledge to make the best use of every cent you donate in our mission of “Providing a Home” to those who served our country so faithfully.

Our thanks go out to all the military and our local community volunteers as well the residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village for their participation in making this a SUPER event. We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks for being a part of our team!

See you next year!