Contributed to the Telegram

The Nash Community College Foundation announced the first Jack Laughery Ride for Knowledge will be held at May 31 at Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Pictured from left are Jimmy Lyles, General Manager, Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson; Bill Boddie, President, Boddie-Noell Enterprises; Helen Laughery, Honorary Ride Chairwoman; Bill Carver, President, Nash Community College; Dwain Vick, President, Rocky Mount HOG Chapter; George Hamilton Sr., Vice President, First South Bank; Lt. Scott Parker, Nash County Sheriff's Department; and Pat Daniels, Executive Director, NCC Foundation.

The organizers plan for the ride to be an annual event to server as a tribute to Jack Laughery, the former chairman and chief executive officer of Hardee's Food Systems, along with his wife, Helen, and their love of motorcycling and support of higher education.

All proceeds from the motorcycle ride will benefit the Helen and Jack Laughery Honorary Scholarship Endowment Fund at Nash Community College.

The scholarship fund provides financial assistance to students who are returning to college to enhance their marketable job skills.

Registration for the motorcycle ride will begin at 9 a.m. at Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. The 30-mile escorted, parade-style ride through scenic Western Nash Country will leave at 11 a.m.

The Jack Laughery Ride for Knowledge registration fee, which includes breakfast, post-ride lunch and entertainment, is $10 per rider.

Sponsors of this inaugural event are Nash Community College, Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson, Boddie-Noell Enterprises and Behind Barz.

For more information about participating in the ride or available sponsorship opportunities, please contact NCC Foundation Executive Director Pat Daniels at 451-8329 or by e-mail at pdaniels@nashcc.edu.