Melissa Mayton

mmayton@dawsonadvertiser.com

Doug Boyle didnt know Jane Goodie, but he knows her son Capt. Ray Goodie. So, when Jane died unexpectedly last month and without insurance, Boyle decided to step up with some fundraising events.

Ray is a good friend of mine, a fellow officer and brother in blue and I wanted to help out, Boyle said.

Boyle has two events slated for Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 the community is invited out to.

Saturday Oct. 5, the community can come out and see Dawson, Lumpkin and Forsyths finest tip-off in a basketball tournament at the gym in Dawson County High School, 1665 Perimeter Road. The tournament starts at 11 a.m. and tickets are $5 a piece. The single-elimation tournament is full-court, five-on-five players.

In addition to watching the Sheriffs offices face off against each other, patrons can enjoy food sponsored by Little Caesars and Chick-fil-A. All proceeds from the event will go to help out the Goodie family, Boyle said.

The following weekend, Sat. Oct. 12, Boyle has organized a motorcycle ride. The ride will begin at the Dawson County Government Center, 25 Justice Way and travel up Highway 9 into Lumpkin County, Suches and back into Dawsonville. The ride is a police-escorted ride, Boyle said. There will be an officer in front and in the back of the pack to shut down intersections along the way and ensure safety of the riders. Theres a lot of curves on the route, Boyle said.

The cost of the ride is $25 per rider and $10 for a passenger. Registration for the ride will begin at 9 a.m. and Boyle said kick stands will go up at 11 a.m.

Boyle said people should come out to the event even if they arent motorcycle riders. In addition to the ride, there will be food, bands and a few vendors. Just come out, pay for a plate of food and show support to the law enforcement, Boyle said.

Boyle has organized several other bike rides in the community, and when Jane died he wanted to something to help. Rays my friend and brother in blue, he said. This is the only thing I know how to do to help out.

In addition to the events, Boyle is also selling raffle tickets for a 39 flat-screen television. Tickets are $3 or two tickets for $5. You may either email Boyle to get a ticket at dboyle06@windstream.net or stop by the courthouse. For information visit www.facebook.com and search for JaneGoodieMemorialRide-HelpingoutourBrotherinBlue.