MONTGOMERY – For the eleventh consecutive year, members of
the Heart of Dixie Harley Owners Group-Pelham Chapter are gearing up to make
Christmas a little brighter for teens and children at the Alabama Department of
Mental Health’s Psychiatric Adolescent Unit at UAB. On Saturday, December 6th, a large caravan of
Harley-Davidson motorcyclists will leave the Pelham dealership at 11:30 a.m.
They will arrive at UAB around 12 noon to visit and distribute gifts they have
collected and wrapped.
The Heart of Dixie Harley Owners Group has again chosen the
“ADMH Harley Ride” as one of their primary charity rides of the year. Tena
Whitworth, Fundraiser for the Heart of Dixie Chapter, shared the following,
“People always ask why we do this every year. The answer is…for the kids! There
is something so strong about making a difference in the life of a child. Simple
things like a puzzle, blanket, or coloring book can mean so much to a child and
make a huge difference in their lives.” The ride is a partnership between the
Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Division of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services, JBS Mental Health Authority in Birmingham, UAB and the Heart of
Dixie Harley Owners Group.
Dr. Beverly Bell-Shambley, Associate Commissioner, said, “I’ve
had the opportunity to participate in this Christmas activity with the youth on
the Adolescent Unit and the Harley Riders for several years and it is truly
heartwarming to see the sincere kindness and generosity of this group toward
the children, and the reciprocal excitement and receptiveness of the children
toward the members of the Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson Chapter. The
chapter members unselfishly give of their time, talent and resources—generous donations
of gifts and, as important, the donation of their time to fellowship, singing,
playing games with the children, and riding those awesome bikes to the Unit for
the children to admire! We are very appreciative of the commitment of
this group to brightening the holiday season for these young people year after
year.”
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Press Information:
- Contact for the day of the ride will be: Gayla Caddell,
334-324-1557
- Location is 1713 6th Avenue South, Birmingham 35294
- Press will be allowed to accompany the riders and staff to
the administrative office only
- Check in at the info desk in the lobby and say you are there
for the Harley Ride presentation
- Cameras may be used in front of the hospital as the riders
approach the facility
- Bikers and gifts may be photographed