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Restored mini-chopper being raffled for charity
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The motorcycle was restored at Siler Cycle and Automotive by Cris Siler and several other members of the organization.
ELKINS -- The Tygarts Valley Scottish Rite Masons recently completed a restoration project on a mini-chopper motorcycle that will be given away as part of the organization's annual fundraiser.
The drawing for the winner of the 2008 motorcycle will be during the Masons family picnic on Aug. 14. The mini-chopper, which has a 200 cc motor and will reach speeds up to 80 miles per hour, was restored at Siler Cycle and Automotive by Cris Siler and several other members of the organization.
"We finally got the bike finished up and it's ready to go to its new home," said Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons President Bob Arbogast. "It really turned out great. Cris (Siler) and everyone else who worked on it did a fantastic job. Whoever ends up winning it is going to be very happy. It's totally street legal, so the winner will be able to drive it on the road."
The chopper was valued at more than $3,000 brand new and was donated by Beaver Stewart from Barbour County.
Area residents may recall mini-choppers like this one being ridden by Shriners during past Mountain State Forest Festival parades. The restored bike was originally purchased for that exact purpose, but never made any parade appearances. It had spent many years in storage before it was dug out of hibernation earlier this year.
"We have already sold quite a few tickets for the motorcycle," said Arbogast. "There are still tickets available, though."
For information on purchasing tickets, call Arbogast at 304-642-3761. Second prize for this year's fundraiser is a three-night stay at the Village of Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Third prize is a Thirty-One Zip-Top Organizing Tote with Scentsy Warmer, Scentsy Bars and Paparazzi Jewelry.
All of the money taken in from this year's fundraiser will go toward the Masons' annual Christmas donations.
Last year the organization distributed $3,000 to various organizations including the Presbyterian Church's Angel Tree Program ($1,000), Barbour County Shop with a Cop ($750), FOP Seneca Trail Lodge 104 Children's Christmas Party ($750) and the Childhood Language Center in Charleston ($750).
"We use the money from our big fundraiser every year to help support those in need at Christmas," said Arbogast. "Unfortunately a lot of people need help during the holidays and we want to be there for them when they do."