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More pictures below.
These photos Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc.
Olivia Andrews
By Editor Becky Watts
GRIFFIN - Over 300 riders came out to show their support for the 16th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Riders met up at Applebee's in Griffin and took the scenic route from Griffin to Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson in Columbus. Southside Riders Association worked hard to present another great event that helps the community and is fun and safe for those who participated in it.
Supporters found out the total from a Facebook post that declared: "The official total is in and... Tabs turned in at Saturday's 16th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run totalled 3,368 pounds!" When those tabs were turned into cash for the charity, $2,437.46 had been raised to help pay for expenses over the upcoming year for The Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc.
The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus explains that it is a "home away from home" for families traveling to Columbus for specialed medical care / hospitalization for their children. Its mission is to provide temporary lodging, care and support to families from east Alabama and west Georgia who travel to Columbus, Georgia for specialized medical care for their critically-ill or injured children.
From their Facebook page: "The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, GA features ten bedrooms with private bathrooms and all of the essentials. Room occupancy is limited to four family members per room and the rooms are furnished with twin and queen beds. The laundry area is fully equipped with washers, dryers, iron and ironing board.
The cheerful children's playroom is full of books, toys and age appropriate movies.The pantry is always stocked with groceries donated by the community and guests can prepare their own meals in the kitchen. There are also individual food storage areas should families prefer to bring their own food.
The Ronald McDonald House has comfortable family rooms, and a library filled with books, a computer and videos for all ages. The House also has a playroom full of toys and a porch full of sunshine and a wonderful play gym for the little ones in the back yard.
In our House, parents can break away from the hospital environment, have the support of other families and ease some of the stress associated with their child's illness. It is a place were families can feel at home, cook their meals, watch TV, read, do their laundry and enjoy the comfort of a warm and friendly environment."
To find out more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc., http://www.rmhcwga.org/about-our-house.
Dennis Scott, an organizer with Southside Riders Inc., had this to say after the event: "It is time to send out a big thank you to everyone who was involved with the set up and preparation and planning of the Olivia Andrews Tab Run and to send out thanks to all the people who participated in this ride. For 16 years this ride has been a benchmark of people trying to make a difference for something they believe in. By donating time, money, labor, resources, participation, or encouragement, you have added to the things that make this big engine move forward.
The 2014 Olivia Andrews Tab Run was a success. .... Not because it raised money for the Ronald McDonald House. Not because we had hundreds of riders. Not because literally MILLIONS of pop tabs were collected. Not because of our Speakers. Not because of another accident free ride and excellent escorts or good weather or the destination. All of those were great, but something bigger than all of that happens when we all get together.
People standing shoulder to shoulder with other people for a cause..... That is why it is great. You were there not because you had to be there. You were there because you chose to be there. One of the greatest gifts God has given us is free choice. We can make the choice for or against whatever we decide to. We are glad that you made a choice to be a part of making a difference for the Ronald McDonald House and their efforts to provide a service for our communities. Well Done my Friends..... Well done."
Are you ready to be a part of a great cause next year? Mark your calendar for the 17th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run. It will be held on September 26, 2015 and will promote the Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc. in Columbus. Give your tabs to someone who is riding or show up at the event to participate or drop off your tabs and be a part of something truly awesome!
To find out more about Southside Riders Association, click here.
Photo courtesy of 13 year old Will Watts.
Photo courtesy of Will Watts.
Photo courtesy of Will Watts.
Photo courtesy of Will Watts.
Self-portrait courtesy of 15 year old Arielle Watts.
Photo courtesy of Will Watts.
Photo courtesy of Will Watts.
Photo of Arnie Cobb and Olivia Jan Andrews courtesy of Toni Cobb Andrews.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle with members of the Griffin High School Rifle Team.
Pike County residents participated in the Tab Run.
Over 300 bikers came out to be a part of the 16th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run and support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc. with Southside Riders Association.
Photo courtesy of Southside Riders Association... as riders entered Columbus.
Bikes headed out from Griffin extended as far as the eye could see!