In October of 2005, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts and interested individuals from the Wilmington, North Carolina area met at Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson®/Buell® to discuss and organize an event to help raise awareness of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who have been injured in the line of duty.
The event took on a life of its own with input and participation from the District Attorney’s office, area police and firefighters’ departments and their respective associations and groups.
A non-taxable 501(c)(3) fund was established to manage and handle contributions and disbursements to qualified applicants who are injured in the line of duty. The Officer Down Fund is administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. The Fund accepts tax-exempt contributions at any time.
The annual event is organized and closely monitored by a team of advisors made up of law enforcement, fire officials, motorcycle enthusiasts, and fund administrators who decide on event activities as well as the qualification of a particular applicant who applies for fund consideration. Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson®/Buell® owners Rick and Jan Noyes have been the lead sponsors, having donated $15,000 to the fund since its inception, in addition to tremendous “in-kind” support.
The Officer Down Ride draws people from all over the area who are interested in showing their true appreciation for those men and women who protect the community from harm daily.
The fund welcomes tax-deferred “Underwriting Sponsorships” of items such as food and event memorabilia. Individual contributions can be made at any time to the “Officer Down” Donor Advised Fund by calling the North Carolina Community Foundation at 919-828-4387 or contacting them through their website.
