MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) – A local motorcycle club will hold a ride to benefit Huntington Beach State Park. Last month, a lightning strike destroyed the nature center and killed several animals. Reapers motorcycle club has been around for four years and members say they like to give back as much as possible. This time it’s something that will benefit both tourists and locals.
Chris Price is a member of the Reapers motorcycle club and a firefighter. He said even after all the fire calls he’s been to, the devastation at the nature center was surprising.
“Something to that extent where you have 50,000 people come, all the kids come to learn more about animals, get up close and personal with them, it takes away from visitors and tourists that come.”
The building is a complete loss. Reptiles, snakes, fish and aquariums were all lost in the fire and will have to be replaced before it can re-open. Price wants to use his motorcycle platform to make a difference.
“We are trying to get the community back in a good idea standing mind of a motorcycle club. Everyone thinks bad that we do bad things but it’s not that. We are trying to get all the communities to come together and be proud of what we got and who is in this county and to raise money for people in need.”
News13 called the park and they said they haven’t started rebuilding yet because they simply don’t have the money. The club wants to raise $5,000 to make that possible.
“Some people with the park they have insurance, but it’s still the fact that the people who really care are coming together to give back to the community after so much that Huntington Beach has gave to them with the nature center.”
If you’re interested in helping, the ride will be on September 18th. Registration is from 9-12 at Suck Bang Blow where the ride will start. It’ll end at Huntington Beach State Park where there will be a silent auction.
It’s $10 for motorcycles, $15 for cars and $5 for passengers.
