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In a slight shift in focus, the Witches of Brewton will be riding for a local man who is facing some tough times ahead medically. The ride is set for Saturday, Oct. 29 beginning at T.R. Miller High School.
Merideth Buck, one of the organizaers for the local group, said this year’s ride will be a fundraiser to assist with medical equipment and other needs for Daby Black, who was severely injured in an auto accident earlier this year.
“This year, we will ride for Darby Black,” Buck said. “He was in a car accident this past summer, has had a long road of recovery, and faces many challenges, with a smile, ahead.”
Buck said the group has, in the past, ridden to raise money to assist cancer victims in the area, but the news of Black’s challenges has caused a shift in plans.
“Our funds will go to his medical bills, along with physical and medical equipment that may help he and his family transition into their new lifestyle,” Buck said. “It is an honor to ride for Darby. His mother, Amy, is a fellow WOB!”
In a letter shared with the group, Darby’s mother, Amy Black, recounted the story that has led Darby to where he is today.
“On the morning of May 17, we all left home headed to work like any other day,” Amy wrote. “Darby left out to buy doughnuts for work and what was to be a normal day altered life forever. I received a call less than an hour later that he had a wreck and I needed to hurry and get to him. As they loaded him into the ambulance, he knew something was not going right. There was no feeling in his legs. A later diagnosis confirmed that Darby was paralyzed, leaving him without the ability to walk. What lay ahead was a maze of hospitals, physicians, medical staff, rehab at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for 14 weeks, and decisions.
“Our 27-year-old Darby has always been an overcomer! He has always been the one who rises to the occasion and this time it is going to be the biggest challenge of his life. I cannot imagine coming through this valley without the support and kindness of friends and family. We are ready to move forward and help Darby get settled back on his job and in his home, on his own as much as possible. Preparing home, transportation, and other necessities for a paraplegic is quite the learning experience! We are finding support from people we don’t even know! You have reached out to us during this time, and I cannot thank you enough. You have encouraged us and reminded us there is no place like home!! Your outpouring of love has sustained us. Darby has always been a light in the darkness. His joy has always been his greatest asset….. and it still is!”
The Witches of Brewton are currently accepting registration from those who wish to join in the annual ride. Whether you walk, ride a bike, choose a golf cart or other mode of transportation, those who wish to join in the event are asked to contact Buck through the Witches of Brewton Facebook page.
Tshirts and yard signs are alao available from the group. And, new this year, will be a contest for the Best Dressed Witch, Best Broom, Best Cart and Best Group of Witches. A $100 prize and trophies will be awarded.
Registration is $15 per bike, $30 per cart plus $15 for each passenger. All drivers must be 18. Bike riders must be 14 with those 14 and under allowed to ride with adults on carts. Payment can be made through Venmo @WOBFLY, or by mail to Witches of Brewton, P.O. Box 867, Brewton, AL 36427 or on check-in on the day of the event.
The ride is set to begin at 3 p.m. and will leave from the parking lot of T.R. Miller High School. The route will bring the ride down Belleville Avenue with a finale dance-off at Market Park in downtown Brewton.