The rumbling sound across Barnwell County wasn’t an echo of recent thunderstorms. It was the sound of money being raised for Shriner Children’s Hospitals.
The El BAB Shrine Club held its annual fall motorcycle rally Aug. 21. Over 150 bikers and riders participated in the fund-raiser which started and ended in Barnwell.
The motorcyclists rode a 117-mile route which included stops in Snelling, Orangeburg, Bamberg and Allendale before returning to Barnwell with a police escort back to the club which sits at the fork of Red Oak and Patterson Mill roads. Upon their return, the participants were treated to a chicken dinner and live bands.
Joining the festivities was Kayla Floyd, 3, of Monks Corner who is the 2011 poster child for the Omar Shrine Temple. Floyd has spina bifida and has received treatment at Shriner hospitals. Using a tiny walker, Kayla is as active as any 3-year-old skimming across the wooden floor of the Shrine club and reaching up for her mother Gail Mason or her father Eddie Floyd.
Prior to Saturday’s ride, Shriners had been selling chances on a 2010 Harley Davidson Fat Bob motorcycle with trailer. Chris Holland had his winning ticket drawn by Sheriff Ed Carroll.
In recent years the El BAB Shrine Club has donated at least $20,000 a year to Shriner Hospitals. These hospitals care for burned and crippled children at no cost to the child’s family, according to club president David Barnett. In addition, the Shriners assist with transportation to the hospitals, one of which is in Greenville.
“We want to thank everyone who turned out this weekend,” said Barnett. “Although hot, it was a great day to ride and enjoy the festivities. Most of all we appreciate the support for Shriners’ hospitals. It’s really all about the children.”