After two friends from Jemison both experienced grief from losing a loved one, they decided to bring the community together and show thanks for Children’s Hospital.

“Everyone who has a child in this community might have to use or has already used Children’s Hospital at some point or another,” Ginger Autrey said. “We wanted to do something where the community could pitch in and have all of the proceeds benefit the hospital. We know it isn’t a lot, but we want to do whatever we can to benefit Children’s Hospital.”

Autrey and friend Elizabeth Fulmer organized a benefit motorcycle ride in memory of Jeremy Wayne Fulmer, Elizabeth’s grandson, and former Jemison Police Officer Josh Newman, Autrey’s son.

The ride will be held June 7 and begin at the Interstate 65 219 Exit near C.I. Porter’s Truck Stop.

Autrey’s son, Newman was killed in 2011 while responding to a wreck.

“He died in the line of duty at just 30 years old,” Autrey said. “We did a benefit ride in 2011 for Josh, and we thought it would be fun to do another one.”

Fulmer’s grandson, Jeremy Wayne Fulmer, lost his fight with cancer when he was almost three in 2007.

Jeremy Wayne Fulmer is also the grandson, of former Chilton County Sheriff Billy Wayne Fulmer and the son of Wendy Fulmer.

Bikers interested in riding in the benefit ride are invited to participate with all of the proceeds from the ride benefiting Children’s Hospital.

Event organizers are still deciding on the exact length of the ride and route for Saturday’s bike ride, but Autrey said everyone interested in participating should arrive near Porter’s C.I. Truck Stop at 8 a.m. for registration. The ride will begin at 9 a.m.

The cost is $25 for singles and $35 for doubles.

“We will have hamburgers and hot dogs and drawings for jewelry and gift baskets,” Autrey said. “The people of Chilton County have been really, really good to us and shown us so much support throughout the years. The support we have received shows the love of the community, and it means so much to us.”

Fulmer said even after several years, many individuals still offer support.

“It is hard to lose a child or a grandchild,” Fulmer said. “We are so grateful that people still want to step up and help. Even if you don’t want to come and ride, we would still love to see everyone.”

Both Fulmer and Autrey hope to create an annual event to bring the community together and anticipate having a Poker Run next year.

“We have really been blessed with the support from this community throughout the years, and we enjoy coming up with different things to bring everyone together,” Autrey said. “It helps occupy our minds, and we enjoy seeing everyone. We also want to keep the thanks going to Children’s Hospital because they have done so much for this community and we want to show our appreciation to them.”

Participants in the ride are not required to pre-register, but Autrey said each rider will have to sign up on Saturday.

For more information, contact Autrey at (615) 712-0590.