A memorial bike and vehicle ride will raise money for the family of a Gilmer County firefighter/EMT who passed away suddenly last week.
The ride in remembrance of Eric “Tigger” Maddox will be held Sunday, Aug. 27. The procession will depart from and end at Apple Country Billiards, 200 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 104. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Kickstands up time is 11 a.m.
Maddox, 51, passed away from a sudden medical event Monday, Aug. 7. Proceeds from the ride, which is being led by the North Georgia Roughnecks, a charitable motorcycle group comprised of public safety personnel, will go to help his family with funeral expenses and other needs.
“He was an outstanding firefighter, a beloved father, grandfather and a friend to everyone he met. He brought smiles and laughter to every shift he worked with our department,” said Gilmer Fire and Rescue about Maddox in an official statement.
Maddox was also an avid motorcycle rider and vice president of the North Georgia Roughnecks, which includes members from Gilmer and several other counties, said Shenna Dover, a Walker County EMT who’s the chapter’s secretary.
“We help (public safety) people raise money, like if someone loses their home or (unexpected) things like that happen. We also do a lot of things with the American Legion,” said Dover about the Roughnecks’ purpose. “Our biggest thing is the Noah Harris ride we do every year for the Noah Harris Foundation.”
The benefit ride will be open to motorcycles and any other types of vehicles. The $20 bike and vehicle entry fees will go toward the donation total. Official route details are still being worked out.
Dover said there “just aren’t words” for the level of support the local community has shown for Maddox and his family.
“It’s open to anybody that can operate or ride in any sort of motor vehicle of any kind,” she added. “There’s just so much support, we don’t want to leave anybody out.”
Benefit organizers are working on other fundraising means, such as raffles and T-shirt sales, Dover said. “Were doing a raffle for a 1911 gun that’s been donated. Steel Magnolias is doing a raffle on (haircuts for men and women). The Chili Dog has graciously volunteered to bring their food truck and do all the food, and all proceeds will go to (the family). The Trump Store has been fantastic with getting T-shirts out there, which we’re going to have at the ride. Talking Threads has an exclusive T- shirt that they are putting out, which we will also have,” she added.
After the benefit ride ends, the Ellijay American Legion, in which Maddox was a member of its Sons of the Legion group, will present live music by multi-instrumentalist and singer Brett Cantrell.
The concert will also raise funds for Maddox’s family, noted Dover.