Jefferson Burn Benefit registration begins
In May 1998 motorcycle enthusiast Charles “Boo” Chaler was burned over 95% of his body in a welding accident. His friends got together to help raise money for his care while he was still hospitalized at LSU Burn Center in Shreveport. That is how the “Boo Run Benefit” bike rally started in Jefferson, Texas.
The second weekend of each October since 1998, local motorcycle riders gather for a weekend of entertainment and fundraising opportunities. The proceeds are given to Camp “I’m Still Me” in Scottsville, Texas (formerly Louisiana Burn Camp). Each summer, young burn survivors from Louisiana and East Texas attend camp for a week of fun with others who share the bond of the burn. The camp is free for the kids and made possible by donations.
When Boo decided to retire, Michelle Fox-Davis, the owner of Auntie Skinners, formed the Phoenix Organization to keep the rally alive. It then became the Jefferson Burn Benefit-Continue the Ride. According to Michelle, Boo will be joining the ride this year for the first time in several years.
This year the event will be held Oct. 9-11. Online wristband sales begin at 12 p.m., Sept. 26, until Oct. 6. Visit www.jeffersonburnbenefit.com/ to purchase. The cost is $20. They will be available for pick up at the will-call booth or you may purchase your wristbands the weekend of the event at the registration table downtown.
Musical entertainment by Rockhouse Productions will include: Moonshine Mafia, Down Home, Nick Brumley & Presely Haile, Shakey Ground, Rewind Band, Landry & Company, Locked & Loaded, Back Beat Boogie Band, Dub & Luv Machine, Blade Petty, Terry Dorgan & Dennis Hagan, Tim Donnette Band, Heather Lin & The Deacons, Cody Cooke & The Bayou Outlaws, Taryn Ashley, Jake Gatheright, Slim & The Pretty Fat Boys, Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, and Donnie Dodson & White Trash Wannabes. Sound and stage productions by Richteck.
The schedule for this year’s event:
Friday evening, October 9
Live entertainment in the Beer Garden and inside Auntie Skinners.
Saturday, October 10
Live entertainment in the Beer Garden and inside Auntie Skinners.
8 am – 5 pm: $20 Registration wristbands/band stages/Poker Run sign up – Across from Skinner’s
8 am – 10 pm: T-shirt sales – Across from Skinner’s
8 am Fidelity Communications presentation of Sponsor Check
8:45am Invocation (Bikers for Christ)
9 am 1st Bike Out Poker Run (Info at Registration)
2 pm – 4 pm Bike Show (Austin Street)
3 pm Last Bike In (Austin Street, by Bike Games)
4 pm-6 pm Bike Games and Slow Ride Competition (Austin Street)
5:30 pm Drawing for all winners; Poker Run (Prize $500)
Drawing for 50/50 (Must be present to win)
Raffle Drawing for Bike (Austin Street Stage)
6 pm Live Auction (Austin Street Stage)
Sunday, October 11
10 am CMA Church Service (Under tent at Alley Stage)
5 pm Singer/Songwriter Performances on the Auntie Skinner’s Stage