In the name of one child, they ride for many

(8/21) In grieving the death of one child, what started out as a way to help a single child has grown into a way to help many children. The first Scotty’s Ride in 2006 raised money to help Scotty Harbaugh, who had an inoperable brain tumor, and his family. Last year, five-year-old Scotty died a month before the second Scotty’s Ride.

Money raised from that ride went to help three other children.

“We started it for one child and expanded it to help anyone who would come to us,” said Kerry Shorb, one of the creators of Scotty’s Ride.

To date $11,000 has been raised from the first two rides. The money has benefited children with serious, even life-threatening, illnesses.

Kerry and Valerie Shorb came up with the idea of a poker run as a way to help Scotty, who was Kerry’s grandnephew. With Scotty’s death, the Shorbs didn’t want the good work that had been done to end.

“We came up with a motto that describes what we do. ‘In the name of one child, we ride for many,’” Kerry said.

Kerry said he’s “praying” for 300 bikes to participate in this year’s ride on Saturday, Sept. 27. Last year, 210 bikers rode.

“It’s turned out to be a lot more than we ever expected,” Kerry said.

He said he’s especially thankful for all the volunteers who help make the ride a success.

The 127-mile ride starts at 11 a.m. and by 3 p.m. everyone is at the Shorb house to enjoy food, raffles and live entertainment.

“It’s sad Scotty isn’t with us, but it’s gratifying knowing we’re contributing to help others,” Kerry said.

For more information on Scotty’s Ride, call (301) 447-3260 or e-mail scottys-ride@hotmail.com.