Cox’s Harley-Davidson gives M4M fundraiser some ‘umph!’

ASHEBORO – On Oct. 14, the air in southern Randolph County will be filled with the hearty rumble of over 100 motorcycles as people gather for the 14^th Motorcycles for Mammograms (M4M) fundraiser at 9 a.m.

Riders will cruise the region’s fall scenery before returning to Cox Harley Davidson at 2795 N.C. 134 in Asheboro for a day of music, food and fun.

The annual event raises money for the Cone Health Cancer Center at Asheboro Mammogram Fund.  co-organizer Stephen Cox of Cox Harley Davidson in Asheboro said this event is Randolph County’s only annual breast cancer ride that services our local cancer center.

Together with Joy Hicks and hundreds of volunteers and bikers, Cox said he is proud to co-sponsor the event. Other co-sponsors include Rock 92, Cone Health and Corona Extra.

“We are entering our 14th year of raising money for those affected by breast cancer,” Cox said. “M4M provides mammograms, free of charge, to individuals in Randolph County that are un- or under-insured and has done so for over 900 patients over the years.”

People in need can request help through the fund at the Cone Health Cancer Center in Asheboro. The funds are not distributed through Cox Harley-Davidson. 

Hicks said the money is also used for various diagnostics and ultrasound procedures, when necessary. She said the fund is set up to help those who might not qualify for other funding programs.

“It’s designed to pick those who fall through the cracks,” she said.

Hicks is a breast cancer survivor herself. She said she was diagnosed in 2008 and quickly learned about the toll the disease takes on a patient — not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. Hicks considers herself one of the fortunate ones. She had a radical mastectomy but is now cancer free. Since her experience, Hicks has worked to be a voice for women to raise awareness about the disease.

In November 2022, Hicks was honored for her work by the N.C. Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as Randolph County’s Volunteer of the Year.  

M4M’s fundraising efforts aren’t limited to the motorcycle ride. Throughout the year, the program is supported with raffles, cookouts, sponsorships and T-shirt/clothing sales.

M4M’s was started in 2010 as Bikers for Boobs. The name of the program was changed in 2016. Since 2010, Hicks said volunteers have raised an estimated $223,292.00. But the October motorcycle ride is perhaps the biggest money-generator for the program.

“This year, our Cox’s Harley-Davidson team has come together and made the commitment to go bigger, stronger and further than we ever have. Our 2023 entertainment is North Carolina’s own, The Band of Oz,” Cox said.

Cox said having the popular beach music band is like a tribute to the end of summer. He said he hopes the broad appeal of The Bank of Oz will bring out bikers and non-bikers alike to enjoy the day-long activities.

If a day of food, music and more isn’t enough, Cox said co-sponsor Rock 92 is managing the giveaway of a brand new 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special motorcycle on the day of the event.

People can qualify for a chance to win by listening to Rock 92 at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a chance to call in and qualify. They can also register on the station’s website at http://rock92.com. Visitors to Cox’s Harley-Davidson can submit a registration at the register-to-win box. Finally, anyone can show up on Saturday, Oct. 14, for the event and register to be a last chance qualifier between 9 a.m.-noon. 

Cox and Hicks said they are proud that the fundraiser has had staying power for more than a decade. They attribute that to the support from the community. Now, past success only motivated them to strive for more in the future.

“This year, we’re giving it more ‘umph’!” Cox said. “This is our opportunity to really push forward.”