The Ralph Easterwood Wings for Warriors benefit ride is set for May 27, in McDonough. Registration for the hour-long ride will begin at 9 a.m., with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.
Proceeds from the ninth annual event will go toward supporting Henry County first responders. Participants will leave from the Henry County Public Safety Building, 108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway, in McDonough, and ride to Pinecrest Baptist Church, 175 Foster Drive in McDonough.
The ride will be escorted by the Henry County Police Motor Unit.
The benefit is the brainchild of the late Ralph Easterwood, longtime pastor of Glen Haven Baptist Church in McDonough. Easterwood also served as head chaplain for the Henry County Police Department, and launched Wings for Warriors as a way to help officers in need, said Police Sgt. Maddox.
Maddox said Easterwood wanted people to have a way to support public safety workers.
“He felt there was a need in the community, and he started a benevolence fund,” said Maddox. “It was his dream and his passion.”
Funds generated by the ride will go toward fire and police workers, as well as dispatchers in Henry County, said Maddox.
“If you’re classified as a first responder and you work in Henry County, you can benefit from the funds,” he said. “It doesn’t cost the first responders anything. It benefits them because they’re in a time of need, and this is a way to help them out financially.”
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Wings for Warriors officially converted to a nonprofit after Easterwood passed away in 2021, said Maddox.
Early Bird pricing for the ride will continue until May 15. Participants can sign up in advance at $30 per bike, and $10 for a passenger.
Prices will increase on the day of the event, to $35 per bike and $15 for a passenger.
Each Early Bird and same-day registrant will receive one free commemorative T-shirt. The benefit will also feature family-friendly activities, raffle prizes and a silent auction.
For pre-registration, visit http://wings4warriors.org.
To register, make checks payable to: Ralph Easterwood Wings for Warriors Inc., or send payment via Cash App at $REWings4Warriors.
For more information, contact Sgt. Maddox at 470-367-3840, or Sgt. Rommelman at 470-367-3871.
