'Ride For Dime' Memorial Motorcycle Run And Outdoor Concert To Be Held In Florida

On Saturday, March 31, 2012, family, friends and fans will honor Darrell Lance Abbott, better known to most as Dimebag Darrell or simply Dime, while benefiting abused, abandoned and neglected children from the Tampa Bay area.

Dime, known for his work with the iconic metal band PANTERA, was tragically taken from those that loved him on December 8, 2004. Each year since, and all across the country, memorial motorcycle rides have been organized in Dime's memory while raising awareness and funding for children charities.

Tampa Bay will be the host of "Ride For Dime - Florida" with the memorial ride beginning at Dean Guitars headquarters with registration opening at 10:00 a.m. and registrants treated to entertainment and VIP tours of the Dean factory. The memorial Ride will end at Brandon Harley-Davidson where all guests will enjoy the musical talents of local artists and a special appearance from the national Ride For Dime president Rob Eichelberger.

"We are very excited about expanding our rides to Florida and at the same time helping abused children," said Rob. "We are honored to have the Ride For Dime organization select our charity for their support and introducing our mission to more giving individuals and organizations like Dean Guitars," stated Wayne Witczak, executive director/CEO for Kids Charity Of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Following the concert at Brandon Harley-Davidson, the party will continue at the legendary Hard Rock Caf where the family, friends and fans will rock the night away honoring the life of Dime while being treated to a special video presentation from Dime's brother Vinnie Paul, currently of the band HELLYEAH.

"The ride does my brother proud and I appreciate it taking place in his memory," says Vinnie Paul. "Unfortunately, Vinnie's tour schedule prevents his attending, but he is behind the expansion into Florida 100%," says Eichelberger.

Attendees will donate $20 to participate in the memorial ride and/or attend the outdoor concert. Additionally, there will be a live/silent auction and a special raffles to raise additional funds for the charity.

Kids Charity Of Tampa Bay, Inc. is a non-profit organization of concerned individuals whose mission is to improve the quality of life for foster children and foster families. Community initiatives of Kids Charity Of Tampa Bay include; A Kid's Place, a residential care facility for abandoned, abused and neglected children, holiday gift drives for foster children and families, back-to-school drives for foster children throughout the Tampa Bay area and the Safety Net program, providing emergency support for foster families in crisis.

For more information, visit www.ridefordime.org.