WarChild Riding Group members hold rally to raise money for St. Jude

A winding gravel road to a farm tucked inside the hills between Chaffee and Oran will lead the way this weekend to raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

On Al Friga's farm down Scott County Road 248, the fifth annual Rebel Yell Rally began Friday and will be held through Sunday. The WarChild Riding Group, a 130-member motorcycle organization based in Chaffee, Mo., hosts a party every year to raise donations for children's cancer research and local veterans.

During the weekend-long rally, attendees camp, enjoy live music, shop from vendors and participate in bike events. Last year, with around 400 people in attendance, the WarChild group raised $6,100 to give to St. Jude. The money for donations comes from a $20 entrance fee to the rally, vendors who give portions of their proceeds and the sale of coloring books created and inspired by the group and a local artist and veteran, Aaron Horrell.

Larry "Hammer" Glueck, WarChild president, was one of six original members who decided to start the group and designate St. Jude as a charitable cause.

Glueck said the idea for annual rallies began with his friend and fellow group member, David "P-nut" Grimes, who wanted the WarChild group to be dedicated to a cause helping children and veterans. In 2005, a rally was held on the land donated by Friga, whose son Paul and daughter-in-law Patty are also members. The first year's fundraising saw $250 go to St. Jude. Not long afterward, Grimes died in a motorcycle accident on June 16, 2005, on Route EE between Chaffee and Delta. Glueck said his friend came up with the name "Rebel Yell" for the event.

Larry "Hammer" Glueck is president of the WarChild Riding Group which is sponsoring the Rebel Yell Rally near Chaffee. (Fred Lynch)

The number of people attending the rally and amount of money raised have grown every year.

"There are more members in the riding group now than there were people who came to the first rally," said Glueck.

Glueck said he expects between 700 and 800 people to come out for the weekend.

"This is our money maker, if we have enough [people] show up," he said.

This year the group's goal is to raise $10,000 for St. Jude. A ride to Memphis to donate the money and tour the hospital is planned for July 31 and Aug. 1.

"Hopefully in my pocket I will have a $10,000 check," said Glueck.

Glueck said there is live entertainment, bike events and a raffle planned during Rebel Yell weekend.

Two local acts are playing on a large stage set up near the entrance of the rally. Slight Return, a southern rock band out of Sikeston, Mo., and Caney Creek, a country group from Oran, Mo., will be performing at dark Saturday. An Elvis impersonator will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Food and drink vendors are on hand along with sellers of leather goods, patches and t-shirts.

One vendor, Kirby "K-Bar" Alexander, drove from Kentucky and said this visit was his first time out to the rally. Alexander sells patches for jackets and does sewing. He said he supports all veterans and children's causes.

"I don't care if I make one penny," said Alexander, a Vietnam combat veteran.

"The thing about kids is, if we don't take care of them, who is going to take care of us when we get old?" he said.

Glueck said donations by local businesses J.W. Strock and Bluff City Beer have been a help, since the rally is a lot for him to put on.

Glueck said the public is welcome, and camping space is first come, first serve. He said he expected a steady stream of people by 5 p.m. on Friday, and hoped more would come out and spend the day Saturday or camp. No reservation for camping is required.

"At past rallies, you get all those people out here, and there's not any trouble," said Glueck. He said everyone comes for a relaxing weekend, the concerts at night and constant music during the day.

"The thing about the WarChild Riding Group is that we aren't a motorcycle club. We are a group that all we want to do is ride and raise money," he said.

To attend or camp at the rally, from Chaffee, take Highway 77 south to Scott County Road 248 and follow signs.