Biker Dad: Rock band 3 Doors Down to lead army of bikers through North Mississippi
By Chris Best, Assistant News Director
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SOUTHAVEN, MS (WMC) -
An army of bikers led by a Mississippi rock band. That's what will be rolling through North Mississippi this weekend.
This army is on a mission to help members of our military and children in need, even if they aren't connected to the military. The band, Mississippi native multi-platinum selling artists, 3 Doors Down will hold their annual "Better Life Foundation" concert Saturday at Horseshoe Casino in Tunica. But the fun and the fundraising will begin at Southern Thunder Harley Davidson in Southaven.
It's really two big fundraising events merged into one bigger event. The Dixie Thunder "Ride for a Cause" is the first. Bikers will meet up at the dealership in Southaven for breakfast served by the Boy Scouts. Then, they'll mount up for a police escorted ride to the Roadhouse Casino in Tunica. For a $35 registration fee, they'll get a t-shirt, take part in the ride, and go to a biker's reception at the casino with free food and drinks.
Tony Shackleford, the president of the Dixie Thunder Run, said there will be a huge silent auction, featuring music memorabilia and a lot of other cool things.
“My foundation, the Dixie Thunder Run, we came up with this over 10 years ago when we were deployed in Iraq with the 155th Armored Brigade out of Mississippi. When we got home in 2006, we had our first ride, 50 or so bikes. We only intended to do it for one year. But now we’ve handed off over $400,000 to organizations.”
The group focuses on military need, especially families dealing with emergencies. That's what made them a perfect partner for the 3 Doors Down "Better Life Foundation."
After the "Ride for a Cause," the bikers will head next door to the Horseshoe Casino to see 3 Doors Down perform.
It's their 12th annual "Better Life Foundation" benefit concert. The foundation, named after one of their hit albums, raises money for pretty much any charity that helps children. According to their website, "the mission of The Better Life Foundation is to make a positive change in the lives of children in need of food, shelter and medical assistance, and to enhance the lives of children and young adults with special needs. The Better Life Foundation will work to raise money each year that will be distributed to organizations and hospitals that we believe will help us fulfill our mission so these children are offered a better life in which they can develop their potential, achieve their goals and become caring and responsible adults."
And just to be clear, both events this weekend are not just for adults. The ride is very family-focused and friendly.
“The biggest thing is we’re not supported just by military people. This is not just a military event, it’s for anyone and everyone to come out and support," Shackleford said. "You don’t even have to have a motorcycle. Come out, buy a t-shirt, a ticket for the bike. That’s how we support what we do."
The bike he's speaking of isn't just any bike. It's "Citizen Soldier VIII," a highly customized Harley Davidson that will be raffled off Saturday. The 2015 Road Glide was tricked out by Oasis Cycles in Jackson, Mississippi, who put $5-6 thousand of accessories on it. Then, renowned painters Joey Barone and Robbie Grant did the graphics and paint. The theme of the bike is in-your-face patriotic. It's covered in American flags, a bald eagle clawing his way out of the fairing and a Medal of Honor painted on the front fender. "Citizen Solider" is also a single released by 3 Doors Down, recorded to honor those serving in the National Guard.
The organizers are expecting about 500-600 participants and hoping for a big success so they can continue to do good in the community.