LAURINBURG – Local motorcycle enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour the Scotland County area and support a good cause next month.
Scotland County Cooperative Extension will host a benefit ride on Oct. 14 to help wind up its Paper Clover campaign. The drive runs from Oct. 4 to 15 at Tractor Supply at 1690 S. Main Street, and store patrons can sponsor the Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program by buying a paper clover that will be displayed in the store, according to Angela D. Galloway, director of 4-H’s youth development program.
The campaign will culminate in a ride that begins at Tractor Supply that Saturday and ends with a fish fry at the Cooperative Extension office.
“The money goes back to 4-H programs to help reduce the cost of programs and activities for our youth and families for travel, lodging and meals,” Galloway said.
4-H offers programs for young people that educate, develop life skills and social skills, offer cultural experiences, and grow leadership abilities. Like other extra-curricular activities, 4-H events help kids form life-long relationships as well.
The cost per person for a basic program or event ranges from $100 for a district event to $400 for state events, and 4-H camps are $400 per student.
“If you have more than one child per household that makes up a good sum of money,” Galloway said.
Many activities are offered in local schools, after school and on weekends.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is a hands-on program that teaches about healthy living, how to exercise and make good food choices. As part of the program kids get to try different foods. Cooperative Extension provides the educational materials and cooking supplies for the class, according to Galloway.
She hopes the benefit ride will be a unique fundraiser for the group’s needs.
There is no limit to the number of riders who can participate.
“We’ll loop around Laurinburg, Rowland, and Pembroke and end up at the Cooperative Extension Office for the fish fry.”
Galloway would prefer that riders register by Oct. 5, so that she can give a headcount to the caterer for the fish fry. The cost is $15 per rider and $25 per couple. Dinner is included in the cost. A photographer will be onsite to take bikers’ photos for an extra fee.
Participants can register at the Cooperative Extension office or online at scotland.ces.ncsu.edu/events. Payments must be made in person at the office or by mail.
Tractor Supply will also host the Cooperative Extension’s Bird Feeding in Your Backyard. The cost is $5 per family and includes supplies and snacks. Parents are encouraged to join their children to learn how to feed and identify local birds.
To register or for information, call 910-277-2122.