'Ray Bedford Bike Ride' will highlight two-day Blacksburg event
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Cherokee Technology Center Director Ray Bedford died suddenly May 1, 2007.

It has been nearly a year since the sudden death of Cherokee Technology Center (CTC) Director Ray Bedford, but his absence is still being felt by many.

"He was a big contributor to a number of things within the community," Melissa Green of Iron City Ministries (ICM) said. "He was always willing to lend a helping hand."

Bedford was an active member of his church and a volunteer firefighter with the CKC Fire Department in addition to his fulltime job as director at CTC.

However, his service in helping ICM with its annual bike ride is being missed this year, as he was an instrumental part of the development process.

"It takes a lot of work in putting this event together, but he would always volunteer his services and help in any way possible," Green said. "We knew he carried a heavy load on his shoulders. Without him here, we found out how heavy it really is."

For his commitment to service at ICM and other organizations within the county, the ministry has named its annual fundraiser the "Ray Bedford 100" Memorial Bike Ride in his honor.

Approximately 57 balloons - one for each year of his life - will be released prior to cyclists and walkers beginning the ride.

"We just wanted to recognize Bedford's service to our ministry as well as to Cherokee County," Green said.

In the moments following the release of the balloons, Gaffney and Blacksburg mayors Henry Jolly and David Hogue will kick off the ride.

Green estimates approximately 60 people participated in last year's event, helping contribute $8,000 to the organization. No goal has been set for this year's drive.

"The choice not to set a goal was because we did not want to set the bar too high," Green said. "But we do want to exceed last year's total."

This is the eighth year the event has been held. Money from the ride will be used to help ICM provide county residents in need with food, clothes and other services.

The ride will take place April 12 beginning at 9 a.m. It is the premier event of the two-day fundraiser.

A lasagna dinner will be held the night before the ride at 6 p.m. at Blacksburg Primary School. The Christian group "High Calling" will provide musical entertainment at the event.

A prom and wedding bash previewing the latest styles in formal wear, cosmetics, hairstyles and formal arrangements as well as a yard sale were recently added to the slate of things going on during the fundraiser.

For more information about the event, contact Iron City Ministries at 864-839-9783.