5th Annual DMXS Charity Ride 4 A-T Raises $29,000
The 5th Annual DMXS Ride 4 A-T charity event raised $29,000.00 on the Sunday following the Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in Atlanta at the Bremen Racepark, in Bremen Georgia. The weather finally cooperated and the sun was out on a beautiful day for our riders, auction, and FMX East freestyle exhibition. All of the monies raised went directly to the A-T Children's Project for research in hopes of finding a cure to this debilitating childhood disease.
Our great friend and event organizer Heath Hamrick's beautiful daughter suffers from this disease and he was touched by the incredible support. "The money raised here today will go to research to help find a cure for A-T. If it were possible for everyone to spend one day in Savanna's life, you would understand this cruel disease and what it means to the children and their families with A-T. Your support helps us live with hope that a cure will be found." Heath would also like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional love and support.
This charity ride holds a special place in Ricky Carmichael's heart and his continued support of this event further proves his resolve to help bring awareness to this rare childhood disease. RC made sure we were provided with his one-of-a-kind gear worn during his incredibly popular return to the Georgia Dome for the open ceremony festivities. Fox Racing's Scott Taylor usually works his magic behind the scenes, but we have to mention how integral his help has been to this event for the last five years. Scott's attitude has always been, "Whatever you guys need," and then he makes it happen. Fox Racing also presented us with some gear from Ivan Tedesco and James Stewart for the auction and they have been there with us from the beginning. A special debt of gratitude goes out to Pro Circuit’s Sharon Richards, Makita Suzuki’s PR guru Wendy Black, Fox’s Chris "Beeker" Onstott and Todd Hicks for their behind the scenes’ heroics to make sure everything came together.
Red Bull has been a part of this effort from day one and while they would rather not garner any attention for their efforts we could not let this opportunity pass to show our sincerest appreciation for all they do.
Smooth Industries donated an entire MX Room Make Over for our auction that had every kid wanting their parents to bid on it. Also, On Track Creations donated a very generous gift certificate for a custom built track for a lucky winner anywhere in the country. This kind of support from our peers has made all the difference and the A-T Children's Project knows how much our sport cares.
One of the biggest highlights for the fans is our pro-rider turnout for some autographs and face time not afforded them at the races. Davi Millsaps, Andrew Short, Timmy Ferry, Tyler Bowers, Michael Byrne, Matt Walker, and Bevo made sure every thing was signed and every picture was snapped, and we thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to help out.
We could not pull this event off without the countless hours put in by our faithful volunteers. We can never express how grateful we are to the men and women that go above and beyond every year for this event. Christina Denny from RoostMX.net defines what caring and compassion is all about and her efforts reflect that. It is this kind of selfless attitude that makes working with this group of people so amazing. Also, Shane Yeagin from Tucker Rocky steps up every year and really swings for the fences to makes sure we are taken care of. We could never individually thank each and every volunteer, but please know how appreciative we are for all your hard work and sacrifice. The media is a huge part of spreading the word and we would like to recognize Racer X, Vital MX, Amateur MX, and SPEED for covering the event. They were all on a deadline after the Atlanta SX but still took time out to help. Well done, gentlemen.
The industry continues to back the DMXS Ride-4-AT every year and we want to certainly recognize their support. On behalf of DMXS Radio and Heath Hamrick, we would like to thank: Live Nation, Makita, Suzuki, Fox Racing, Mountain Adventures, Leatt, Bremen Race Park, Scott USA, RoostMX.net, Red Bull, O'GIO, Pro-Circuit, OTC, Maxxis Tires, Aaron Rocco's, Tucker Rocky Distributing, MX Sports, Mike Koger of Smooth Industries, Yamaha, Hertz Equipment Rental, Serious Racewear, Wes Cain, Answer, MSR, Pro Taper, Pat Schutte, Denny Hartwig, Tony Gardea, Todd Jendro, Kyle Kelly, King Kelly, Bad Billy Ursic, Clint Esposito and the entire FMX East crew.
For more information about A-T and how to help, check out www.ride4at.com or contact Heath Hamrick at ride4at@aol.com.