Thirteen friends will join Columbus businessman Scott Ressmeyer this year for the fourth annual “Scott’s Ride for Miracles” to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center. The Miracle Riders will be rolling into Reno, Nevada on Thursday May 10th and extend their gratitude to the John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel and Casino for their support.
On Friday, May 4 at 11:30 a.m., Ressmeyer, co-owner of Country’s Barbecue, and 13 friends will board their motorcycles at The Medical Center and embark upon a 21-day, 48-state journey to raise awareness and money for the needs and services supported by Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center.
Joining Ressmeyer will be Mark Alexander and Vernon Griggs of Columbus; Mike Frank of Phenix City; Mike Langford of Cataula; Walt Rosso of Cusseta; Ralph Kingrey and Dave Hinson of Fortson; Mike Jolley and Cody Jolley of Hamilton; Gary McDowell of Manchester; James Cole and Brad Hansen of Midland; and Ronnie Wilson of Salem, Alabama. In addition to taking time off work and funding all personal expenses associated with the ride including hotels, meals and gasoline, each of Scott’s Miracle Riders is committed to raising at least $2,500 to participate in the more than 9,000-mile trek across the United States.
Ressmeyer launched the event three years ago as a one-time, solo ride to commemorate his 50th birthday and to raise money for CMN at The Medical Center. Convinced by Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley to repeat this endeavor, Ressmeyer expanded the Ride in 2010 to include 10 additional Miracle Riders; Thirteen Riders joined Ressmeyer on the 2011 journey.
To date, Scott’s Ride for Miracles has raised more than $280,000 to purchase equipment for the NICU and PICU at The Medical Center. Ressmeyer says the ultimate goal now is to raise $1 million over the course of the Ride.
“This has always been about the babies and the children,” Ressmeyer says. “Riding through rain, hail, wind and around tornadoes is nothing compared to what some of these little ones endure every day. Their strength and perseverance are what inspire us 365 days a year but, particularly, over the twenty-one days when we are on the road. We battle for those who need a little extra help in their fight, and maybe someday, they will get to hop on a motorcycle or run in a race or write a check or organize an event that will do the same for someone else.”
The Miracle Riders plan to visit patients at several CMN hospitals along the way. They will also contribute to a blog to journal their travels. People interested in following their blogs may log onto www.yourhealthourmission.com. Once their journey begins, people may visit the same website to track the riders’ route in real time.
Providing support for the event include Presenting Sponsor Aflac; Event sponsors Chattahoochee Harley, Columbus Tape and Video, Columbus Visitors Bureau, Country’s Barbecue, Leisure Lifestyles, Neonatology Associates, TSYS; and Bike Wrap Sponsors Ranger Joe’s, CB&T, Geico, LaFarge, Ride on Bikes, and Wells Fargo Bank.
In addition to pledging financial support to Scott’s Ride for Miracles, Columbus and area residents have several options for offering additional support. During May, patrons may purchase, sign and display Scott’s Ride for Miracles cards at Country’s Barbecue locations throughout Columbus.
Donors may also give in a more traditional way by logging onto the Columbus Regional Healthcare System website atwww.yourhealthourmission.com and linking to the Scott’s Ride for Miracles page.
Additionally, local motorcycle enthusiasts have the opportunity to escort Scott and his Miracle Riders as they depart Columbus and as they return for their welcome celebration at the Columbus Riverwalk on Friday, May 25. To register for this opportunity, motorcyclists may log ontowww.yourhealthourmission.com.
