By Ramsey Sullivan Riverbend News
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Joe Copeland, of Valdosta, organized a "Good Samaritan" motorcycle ride to Big Wood BBQ, in Live Oak.
Those who wanted to participate in the ride arrived at Azalea City Church of God, in Valdosta, at 9:15 a.m., followed by the blessing of the bikes. The idea behind the "Good Samaritan" ride was to gather as many motorcycle riders as possible and collect a $10 entry fee from each person. After each person had given their $10, the riders were off to a restaurant to eat as a group, and Copeland announced that they would eat at Big Wood BBQ, in Live Oak.
When they arrived at the restaurant, each rider was to pay for his or her own meal. After eating together as a group and paying for their meals separately, Copeland informed the manager of their reason for coming, which was to bless someone. The four waitresses who handled the large group of bikers were then called to the table and asked to read a statement about why the bikers had come there. After reading the statement, the waitresses were given all of the money raised from the "entry fee" the bikers paid to participate in the ride.
More than $1420 was raised and given as a tip to the waitresses to split between them. In addition to this, many riders added their own tips to their meals.