Hannah Tolbert has been busy and her efforts are paying off. The daughter of Fayette County Board of Education member Sam Tolbert is coordinating a “Ride for Life” car and bike show and benefit ride fund-raiser on June 12 to help offset her father’s expenses as he undergoes treatment for Stage 4 esophageal cancer. The fund-raiser will be held at Partner’s Pizza located at 834 South Glynn Street beginning at 11 a.m.
Hannah told The Citizen in April she was determined to put on a fund-raiser for her father that will draw a large crowd. And that is what’s happening.
Registration for the motorcycle benefit will begin at 11 a.m. and includes a $15 fee to ride and $5 for passengers. Bike show entries are $5 for those who ride while car show entries are $10.
The bike ride will begin around noon followed by registration and set-up for the car show at 12:15 p.m. and the set-up for the bike show at 1:15 p.m. Judging for the car show will be held at 3:30 p.m. followed by judging for the bike show at 4:30 p.m.
The afternoon fund-raiser will also include live music by Paige McCauley & the Band, a Daisy Duke Bike Wash, a Pin-up Girl Contest, kids activities, raffles, a silent auction and more, Hannah said.
The 1950s style Pin-up Girl contest will come with prizes and all participants receive gifts. The winner of the contest will win a $500 fashion photo shoot and make-up by make-up artist B.C. Davis. Second and third place winners will receive a $250 photo shoot.
The raffles will be held for restaurant gift certificates, massages, free dog grooming and gym memberships.
Hannah said girls are still needed for the Daisy Dukes bike wash, outfitted in attire such as shorts and shirts worn by the Daisy in the long-running television show. All participants will receive free gifts and tans.
The fund-raiser is being sponsored by Alan Vigil Ford in Fayetteville, Yorkie & Friends, Partner’s Pizza Fayetteville, Adcock Photography and U.S. Rider News magazine.
Fayette County Board of Education member Sam Tolbert said it was approximately one year ago that the late-stage cancer was discovered. That discovery came when a nurse spotted it on his liver during an echocardiogram.
“All along the doctors thought the problem I was having was with my heart. They had checked my veins and arteries and even thought I was anemic,” Tolbert said. “Then when I was in for an echocardiogram the nurse saw spots on my liver. The problem wasn’t my heart at all, it was the cancer. I hug that nurse every time I see her.”
Tolbert said the cancer had spread from the esophagus to his liver and lymph nodes, adding that while the esophageal cancer is incurable, his physician indicated that he can continue to lead a fairly healthy life if he keeps up with his medication regimen. With that, Tolbert said he has no need and no desire to do anything but continue on the school board.
“The school board is the one thing I’m working hard for and looking forward to,” Tolbert said. “I have no intention of resigning from the board and I expect to run for re-election when my term expires.”
For more information contact Hannah Tolbert at 404-857-8672 or at rideforsam@hotmail.com.
