Visiting bikers: 'Great group'

The quaint town of Eureka Springs saw 300+ Valkyrie motorcycles rumbling through from July 23-26. It was their annual national convention and they chose our gorgeous corner of NWA to visit. The bikers headquartered at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks for auctions, contests, bike games, pool parties, and other activities. Every year they choose a charity to support that is local to their convention destination. This year, Special Olympics Area II, serving Carroll, Boone, Marion, Baxter, Newton and Searcy counties was that lucky organization. With funds raised from 50/50 raffles, pie auctions, memorabilia auctions, ticket sales from a Special Olympics catered luncheon at Beaver Dam, event entry sales, and private donations, this club made a generous $7,000 donation in a short four days' time. They also participated in the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive while they were here. According to Police Chief Earl Hyatt, Mayor Morris Pate, and hotel owner Randy Wolfinbarger, this group was one of the best ever to visit Eureka. "Not an accident, not a scratch to a bike, not one complaint, a great group of people," said Hyatt.

They also gave rides to Special Olympic athletes and welcomed them to their events. Through their $7,000 donation, new sports can now be added to the Area II program. Co-Directors Rachal Hyatt and Jennifer Dransfield were thrilled. "We are so excited to add more for our deserving athletes. This group was fantastic to work with and incredibly generous. Talk about leaving a place better than you found it."