On Sept. 20, Hospice of Richmond County’s Steel Stampede fundraiser is taking its supporters on a road trip through the county in an effort to raise money for the non-profit institution.

“Patients have a great need,” said Lisa Ledford, Steel Stampede coordinator said. “We want to help them meet some of the needs they may have.”

The money raised from the Steel Stampede will help fund and improve Hospice’s ability to provide quality care for both the families and the patients.

Admission for a single rider is $10 and for two, it is $15. Admission buys the rider a police escorted trip through scenic Richmond County.

The 40-mile ride begins at the Hospice on U.S. Highway 1 and will continue north through Ellerbe and back down into Hamlet.

At one point, the ride will divert into the Rockingham Speedway Park for a lap around the track before ending the Steel Stampede on Main Street in downtown Hamlet.

The riders will receive lunch provided by Main Street Cafe in Hamlet after the riders have reached their destination.

It is the first year for Hospice hosting the event, Ledford hopes to get 100 riders.

“We’d really like to have the front yard full of bikes,” Ledford said. “it’s a very moving event to see.”

Hospice is offering two different ribbons for riders to hang on their motorcycles. These ribbon are to represent a loved one on the ride: Red ribbons will honor and white will memorialize.

“We’re really excited about it,” Ledford said, “These people have huge hearts of gold and can only help beautify our community.”

According to Ledford, door prizes, 50/50 raffles and a poker run are going to be part of the festivities prior to the start of the ride and are available to those participating in the Steel Stampede.

Registration for the event starts at 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 and the ride begins at 2 p.m. Pre-registration for riders can be completed early at www.richmondcountyhospice.com or by calling 910-997-4464.