Third annual event to be held at Spring Villa Park
Photo by Robert Noles
People gather together with their motorcycles at last year’s ‘Angels Riding for Austism’ event at Spring Villa Park. The third annual event will take place tomorrow.
By Anna-Claire Terry
Staff Reporter
Supporters will ride into Lee County from all over the Southeast for the third annual Angels Ride for Autism event Sept. 19 at Spring Villa Park, located at 1474 Lee Road 148. The fundraising event features a motorcycle ride to benefit the Lee County Networking Group of the Autism Society of Alabama.
Among entertainment and attractions offered at the event are live music, a drive-in car show and food catered by Bama Jama BBQ.
Event coordinator Luanne Helms founded the event in 2013 as a way to provide the community and families dealing with Autism with an outlet and fun outing to attend.
“You always see people doing walks, and I wanted this to stand out a little bit more,” Helms said.
According to Helms, the event is growing in popularity. She said she would have felt lucky to have about 30 bikes participate in 2013 when 89 registered. This year, she is expecting about 125 participants in the ride. “It has grown significantly. We get more of a response each year,” she said.
Helms also added that Mayor Fuller has proclaimed Sept. 19 as “Angels Riding for Autism Day” for Opelika.
To preregister, visit the Angels Riding for Autism Facebook page, or register at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The cost is $25 per ride and $15 per passenger. Kickstands go up 10 a.m.
For more information, Luanne Helms can be reached at 707-0116 or helmslu@gmail.com