The idea of giving something back in memory of Ellis Counts III and in deep appreciation to those who loved and supported him and his family was conceived during the time in Vanderbilt
Trauma Unit in the summer of 1997.
The first scholarships were given at graduations in spring of 1998. The first motorcycle ride was initiated and organized for the first Saturday in June of 2000.
It has since become fully funding of the scholarships and special projects especially for the handicapped and is supported in a major way by motorcyclists on bikes of all makes and models from the entire area.
Each ride since 2002 has given away in excess of $7,000 in prizes and raised between $5,000 and $7,000 per year for scholarships and GSR Projects. GSR V was huge success on a beautiful day with 169 bikes, many participants (too many to count), and raising $6,305 that day with a few other contributions later in the year - the best ever. Sarah Hyde Memorial Healthcare Scholarships have gone to Kristen Reid, Heather Bogle, Amanda Rose, Gretchen Hart, and Sophia Truehart.
Good Samaritan Awards have gone to Carla Davenport, Hamilton Greer, Dylan Welch, Brad Luttrell,
Michael Greer, Dusty Reynolds, Lori Maxwell, Matt Cashion, Rachel George, Lucas Stone, Andrew Mook, Joshua Kovach, and Chuck Stines. By the time of the 2005 ride, at least three more names will have been added to this exemplary list of Good Samaritan and Sarah Hyde recipients.
