Revving for a reason
By Steve Herring
Published in News on October 17, 2010 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
More than 100 riders pull into Morgan's parking lot in Goldsboro during "Ride for a Reason: A Benefit for Kristi Bailey Schremp."
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Tracey Bailey, sister of Kristi Bailey Schremp, and John Payne Jr. organized "Ride for a Reason: A Benefit for Kristi Bailey Schremp" at Morgan's Bar in Goldsboro. Kristi has stage four breast cancer and the money from the event will go to offsetting her medical costs.
Kristi Bailey Schremp and her family, including 4-year-old daughter Bailey, were sitting on the front lawn of their Winterville Saturday afternoon holding "thank you" signs when the 140 bikers roared up.
The bikers switched off their motorcycles and then, on cue, started them all at once, revving their motors in honor of Mrs. Schremp who is battling bone cancer.
The ride to Winterville and back to Goldsboro was part of Ride for a Reason to raise funds for Mrs. Schremp. It was organized by her sister, Tracey Bailey of Goldsboro, John Payne Jr. and Crystal Hulbert.
Mrs. Schremp, 33, was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 28 and had been in remission for the past three years. But now, the cancer has returned in her bones.
"She sent me text as soon as we left and said, 'I love you. That was awesome, pretty cool," Ms. Bailey said.
Ms. Bailey said that her niece's "mouth was on the floor" when she saw all of the motorcycle riders.
Along with fees generated by the ride, there were door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, bikini bike wash and fresh barbecue cooked on site at Morgan's.
Ms. Bailey said she was overwhelmed by the response the event had received and noted that the ride had attracted a "very diverse group of people" from different areas.
She hopes to raise about $5,000 and by about 4 p.m. Saturday some $2,000 had been raised. It will be later in the week before the final total is known, she said.
The ride started and ended at Morgan's Bar on on East Ash Street. Ms. Bailey said she had known business owner Jerry Huffman who is known for his support of community events.
All of the workers at the event, including DJ Mike Best, were volunteers, she said.
Ms. Bailey said that her sister does not ride bikes. However, she has told Payne that if he got a helmet for her that she might ride with him, Ms. Bailey said.
Ms. Bailey hopes that the ride will grow into an annual event with proceeds going to the Susan G. Coleman Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of her sister.