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By Philip Holsinger
The Daily Citizen
Charlie Nokes is going to do a good
thing.
This Wednesday Charlie and Daisy will
depart for a two month long odyssey around the United States on a
motorcycle, a trip he is billing as a fundraising journey to raise
money and awareness for the March of Dimes, and a trip to reacquaint
himself with the country he says he so dearly loves.
Funding the trip out of pocket and with
whatever donations come his way, all the funds raised for March of
Dimes will completely by-pass him, going directly to the March of
Dimes so no one is left wondering, he said.
From Searcy, Ark. to Chicago; Chicago to
Bangor, Maine; Maine to "ground zero" in New York, then to Washington,
D.C. for Memorial Day and the dedication of the WWII national monument
where Nokes says he hopes to see the President and hear him speak. And
that's just the beginning of the trip.
"I am doing this because I want to do
something good," Nokes said. "I have done some bad things in my life
and I want to give back."
"It's amazing to me that he is willing
to do this," Tina Crowe, Division Director for the March of Dimes
Arkansas Chapter said. "I think he'll amaze us. I've been working for
the March of Dimes 23 years and I have never had anyone take this kind
of interest. He has a commitment to the organization proven by how
much of his time he has given already.
"And the fact that the money from
donations will be sent directly to us just says so much to me. It was
his idea. He wanted to make sure that anyone giving understands
donations go totally the March of Dimes."
The Bald Knob resident has spent the
last three years volunteering for the March of Dimes with their annual
Arkansas Bikers for Babies (ABFB) motorcycle fundraiser, he said, and
it was during this time he conceived of the idea to take this trip.
Starting with only 30 bikers in 1995 the
event raised $1,500, Crowe said. Last year the event involved 2,800
bikers and raised a walloping $150,000. The ABFB will celebrate its
10th year this year.
He has seen what can be done to raise
funds for a good cause, Nokes said, so he figured a ride around the
country with him telling people about the good things they can do can
help. He can meet them and learn about his country and help them help
someone else in the process.
Nokes, who served in the Army and did a
tour of Vietnam, journeyed to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day last
year and plans to return every year, he said. That is one reason why
the journey begins next week with a tight schedule that will get him
to Washington for the big day.
"I want to be there for the dedication
of the WWII Memorial," he said. "And I would love to see the
President. He is a great man who is not afraid to stand up for what is
right. I know it won't happen, but I would love to shake that man's
hand."
Accompanying Nokes on the journey is
6-month-old Daisy, a
Red Heeler he says is his inseparable partner,
that is including his wife.
"My wife is in support of this," he
said. "She wants me to think, to see the country and to do something
good, too."
Showing confidence in his journey,
Sunshine Honda in Searcy donated a tune-up, new tires and even road
insurance for his bike. Searcy Yamaha donated a new patriotic helmet
for the journey. And friends have offered money.
"A worker at Thomas Auto Parts gave me a
$20 bill," Nokes said. "It really means a lot, you know, because on
this trip if I get low on funds, well, I will just stop and get a job,
clean a parking lot or sweep or something."
Nokes has undergone special classroom
training certifying him with safety skills to help with the organizing
and leading of thousands of bikers, Crowe said.
For those who wish to donate to the
March of Dimes for Noke's journey, donations can be mailed to: Tina
Crowe, Division Director,
March of Dimes Arkansas Chapter, attn.
"Bikers for Babies," 1501 North Pierce, Suite 106, Little Rock, AR
72207. Or you can call: 800-234-8144.
Published Saturday, May 8, 2004
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