Saturday's public safety basketball tournament at Dawson County High School was more about helping a "brother in blue" than the number of baskets scored.

"It was a good time. I'm so appreciative of everyone who came out in support," said Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Ray Goodie.

The five-on-five, three-game mini tournament began with a close win by the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office over Goodie's Dawson county team. Lumpkin then took on the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and once again prevailed.

The event raised funds in memory of Goodie's mother, Jane, who passed away suddenly on Aug. 31 at age 54.

Goodie and his family were on a vacation motorcycle ride to Key West, Fla., with friends Doug and Debra Boyle when they got the news. Upon learning of the death, the Goodie family was forced to take out a loan to cover burial expenses.

Boyle, a fellow officer, organized the tournament and a memorial motorcycle ride set for Saturday to help his friend in need.

"We need to step up for each other, and you just really don't see enough of that anymore," said Boyle, who has organized charity rides in the past but didn't have one scheduled this year.

"[Ray's] a good friend," he said. "We do things outside of work, ride together. I wanted to help his family. I wanted to help out where I could."

Goodie said there weren't enough words to show his family's gratitude.

"I'm humbled by the support from all the officers that came out to play in the tournament and overwhelmed by Doug's generosity to organize these events," Goodie said. "I just hope there is some way one day that I can return the favor ... My family is just so grateful."

Saturday's 70-mile, police-escorted ride through Dawson, Cherokee, Pickens and Lumpkin counties will be a time for the family to celebrate Jane Goodie and remember their time together.

"My brother [Robert Goodie] and my wife [Lisa] and my kids will be there for the ride. My dad [William] doesn't ride, but I have a sidecar, so we're hoping he'll ride with us," Ray Goodie said.

Registration for the Jane Goodie Memorial Ride will begin at 9 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. for the ride that should last about an hour.

The cost is $25 per rider and $10 for passengers.

After the ride, Across the Wide and Exit 13, bands based out of Cumming, will perform in the parking lot of the Dawson County Government Center, 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, where the ride will begin and end.

The performers will begin about 12:30 p.m. Concessions and vendors will be on hand after the ride.

There also will be a raffle for a 39-inch LED high-definition TV donated by Walmart on Saturday. Tickets are available for $3 each or $5 for two.

A rain date for the memorial ride is set for Oct. 19.

For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, call Lt. Doug Boyle at (770) 324-1015.