A familiar face takes first place, and every rider helps a neighbor in need
On Saturday, October 17, Laurens Electric Cooperative hosted its 2026 Annual Charity Motorcycle Run.
“We’re seeing more of our neighbors in need these days, and the proceeds from events like this support several co-op initiatives that help people right here in the communities we serve,” said event organizer David Hammond.
This year’s event started and ended at Harley Davidson of Greenville and took riders along Highways 14, 11 and 25. The 70-mile round-trip featured the scenic natural beauty of the Upstate, along with mountain views.
Eleven years after his first grand prize win, history repeated itself
Parks King of Simpsonville took home first place and the $2,000 prize for the second time, having first claimed the event’s top honor in 2015.
A familiar face among the riders, King is now a seasoned veteran of the run, having participated in the LEC event about 10 times over the years. Back in 2015, his win was a stroke of beginner’s luck. Today, it’s proof that some things only get better with time.
“Some riders come back year after year for the scenery and the camaraderie,” Hammond said. “Parks keeps coming back and apparently keeps winning.”
With luck like his, King says he’ll definitely participate in future LEC-sponsored rides.
Molly Motter of Piedmont won $500 in the second-place drawing.
Proceeds from the event benefit the following charities:
- The Cooperative Caring Fund benefits the Baptist Crisis Center and the Golden Strip Emergency Relief Agency, which use the monies to assist co-op members who face challenges paying their utility bill.
- Through the employee Pay It Forward program, every Laurens Electric Cooperative employee is entered into a random drawing to receive $500 to pay forward in any way they choose. Each month a new name is drawn, and the employee then has one month to apply the funds toward their own act of kindness.
- The Community Impact Initiative, started in 2018, provides grants to local Chambers of Commerce intended for public charitable purposes that enrich the quality of life of citizens in the communities the cooperative serves.
“Every motorcycle that drives out of our starting location represents $20 going to help those in need. Co-op employees volunteer to help manage the event, the riders have a great time, and together we are able to offer real and significant help in the communities we serve,” said Hammond.