BY KYLE GARGARO
Clarkston News Editor
Area motorcycle riders are invited to be “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” during the David and Wanda Harrison Memorial Charity Ride to benefit Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
The ride is set for Sunday, Aug. 24 when the group will leave Clarkston Chrysler Jeep at 5:30 p.m. The riders will be escorted on a 50-mile scenic ride around north Oakland County by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Motor Unit. The motorcycles will rumble into DTE Energy Music Theatre, where riders will be treated to a concert by the legendary Doobie Brothers.
“We are real excited about this event,” event organizer Chuck Fortinberry said. “There will be some local dignitaries and entertainment people who will be joining us. There is going to be a lot going on.”
This is the third year of the event, but the first year it is being held as a memorial to David and Wanda Harrison. The Clarkston residents were killed in an accident near Saulte Ste. Marie, Ontario last August 15.
“Dave was a real good friend of mine and he rode in this event before the tragic accident. Riding was one of the many things Dave and I had in common,” Fortinberry said. “I just thought naming the ride after Dave and Wanda was a great way to remember all they did for this community.”
The event has grown each year according to Jim Blackledge, the Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
“Last year we raised more than $10,000 and had 250 riders,” Blackledge said. “It is really a great day.”
The event was started three years ago by Fortinberry.
“My father died of leukemia in 1993 and we have three kids of our own so we decided to get involved with the Children’s Leukemia Foundation,” Fortinberry said. “I know of a couple of charities which had rides and they raised a lot of money.”
Entry fees for the ride are $25 per person. The entry fee includes a concert ticket and parking for the Doobie Brothers at DTE Energy Music Theatre, late lunch at registration check-in and official ride pin.
“We urge people to register before the day of the event,” Blackledge said.
Individuals can register by calling (248) 353-8222 or logging on to leukemiamichigan.org.
“There are a lot of people who ride in this every year,” Fortinberry said. “Everyone who has taken part in it in the past has enjoyed it. We are looking for at least 500 riders this year.”