Christian Opportunity Center employee honors late father with donation
Paige Davidson (far right) with her brother Wade (far left), mother Trudy (middle left) and father Marty (middle right)
Christian Opportunity Center (COC) speech aide and work skills supervisor Paige Davidson and her brother Wade hosted the 3rd Annual Marty Davidson Bike Show in Oskaloosa in May, donating the profits from the event to COC in honor of their late father.
Marty Davidson passed away on May 15, 2012 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
“It’s really hard,” said Paige. “[Marty] was our best friend. He never wanted from anybody; he never asked anything of anyone. He was a great guy and a great person.”
The following weekend, Wade honored his father by hosting a Marty Davidson Memorial Ride. More than 500 people turned out to pay their respects, resulting in the yearly celebration of Marty’s “love for two wheels.”
“My dad was very passionate about bikes,” Wade said. “We enjoyed going to bike events and bike shows together. The first year, we had more than 300 bikes and 400 people and it’s still growing. It’s been really good.”
Bikers may enter their bikes into one of five categories based on its style. Sponsors provide giveaways, while category trophies are handmade by Wade and his friends. Winners are selected by a committee.
Several businesses support the show financially, making it possible for the family to donate profits from the event to a cause of their choice.
In 2013, the event supported an Oskaloosa teenager who suffered a broken neck in an ATV accident. In 2014, a donation was made to a small veterinary clinic because of Marty’s love for animals (especially dogs).
This year, the family donated the event’s profits to COC, where Paige has worked for the past 14 years.
“I love working at COC,” said Paige. “The people supported are like my family. I love helping people; it’s something I’ve always done and it’s something I’m very passionate about.”
And while Wade owns three motorcycles, Paige is working towards the purchase of her first bike for next year’s event.
“That would blow my dad away,” Paige said. “I feel the most free when I’m riding, remembering all of the times we rode together.”
For more information and updates about the Annual Marty Davidson Bike Show “Like” the event on Facebook.
Founded in 1969, COC provides residential, vocational and spiritual supports and services to more than 250 people with disabilities in Dallas, Marion, Mahaska, Warren and Polk counties. For more information visit http://christianopportunity.org/ or connect with Christian Opportunity Center on Facebook.
