ROCKINGHAM — Mike Stokes, CEO of the Steel Wheels Riding Club, wants to remind everyone that the benefit ride and Family Fun Day for retired Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputy Dan McInnis will go on this Saturday — but with even more fun than originally advertised.
“The last time we put out the fliers we didn’t say anything about the barbecue plate sales,” Stokes said. “And Stunna (Lancy Little) from Playaz Elite didn’t mention they’ll be selling fried fish plates, either. Those are kind of important to mention.”
Stokes said the plates will cost $7 each and will be served when the Family Fun Day phase of the fundraiser begins at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Ellerbe Lions Club. He said that in addition to the live music, cornhole tournament and kids fishing tournament, there will be more than just funnel cakes served at the concession stands.
“There’ll be all kinds of fair-type foods,” he said. “And there’s going to be ice cream for dessert from the Berry Patch.”
All of the proceeds will go directly to McInnis, who Lt. Keith Mabe of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said was recently shot down after a brief ray of hope when the hospital sent him home after 18 days, only to have him return the very next day due to dehydration. Now, McInnis is back in the hospital again.
“Dan retired in August 2013 because of sickness,” Mabe said. “And Dan’s dog is his best friend. You hear about people whose dogs are their best buddies, but with Dan and Rooster it’s true. Rooster had started hanging his head and moping around, so my wife and I took Rooster to see him in the hospital and the smile on his face was phenomenal. You’d have to have seen it to believe it.”
McInnis, always a hard worker, was hit harder by the psychological aspects of surviving the major stroke that forced him to leave his profession.
“He’s of a mind where his mind still thinks he can work, but his body won’t let him,” Mabe said. “That’s the kind of man he is. He had that first stroke in June 2012. He had a lot of TIAs or mini-strokes, and then he had the big one.”
Little, CEO of Playaz Elite, and the club’s Rev. Michael Patrick (who is a retired detective and also pastor of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church) said the ride is just part of what they do to help the community. Together with Steel Wheels, the clubs have participated in many events to help individuals and families in need as well as area schools.
Stokes said he wants to give a shout-out of special thanks to the Wingmen riding club.
“We just hope to see a lot of people come out and support us again,” Little said. “We know this will have a big turnout.”
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.