For the second year in a row, United Bikers of Maine, Cumberland County has organized a ride to benefit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. The Maddox Memorial Ride will take place on Saturday June 22, 2024, with registration beginning at 9 AM at Erik’s Church in Windham, Maine. The cost is $25 per rider or $30 with a passenger. All other supporters and attendees come free of charge. They will leave at 11 AM and ride to Funky Bow Brewery and Beer Company in Lyman, Maine where there will be live music and food available.
“United Bikers of Maine, Cumberland County was one of the first organizations to stand up and help be the voice of abused Maine children after Walk a Mile in Their Shoes started,” said founder Bill Diamond. He went on to say, “This is one of their largest yearly fundraisers and we have deep gratitude for the help of such a respected and charitable organization.”
This year’s Maddox Memorial Ride is dedicated to Maddox Williams, a three-year-old boy that was murdered by his mother in 2021 after the Maine Office of Child and Family Services failed to adequately protect him. Maddox has become the poster child representing a record number of children who have died while under state care.
“Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is raising awareness for kids. We are very excited to be a part of this and we’re committed help to prevent child abuse in Maine,” said UBM President Bill Brown.
Prior to the riders’ departure, Cumberland County Jail chaplain, Reverend Jeffrey McIlwain will give the invocation. There will be remarks by Bill Brown of the United Bikers of Maine, Cumberland County president, Bill Diamond who is the founder of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, Maddox Williams’s grandmother Victoria Vose, and others.
Later that day, at noon, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will participate in the Windham Summerfest Parade.