Tampa - On Saturday, March 31, 2012, Dean Guitars employees, family, friends and fans honored Darrell Lance Abbott, better known to most as "Dimebag" Darrell or simply "Dime" with a Motorcycle Run that benefited Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization serving 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 who loved him on December 8, 2004. Across the country, memorial motorcycle rides have been organized each year in "Dime's" memory to raise awareness and funding for children's charities.
The inaugural "Ride for Dime - Florida" memorial ride began at Dean Guitars HQ in Tampa with registrants treated to entertainment and VIP tours of the Dean Guitars factory. The 75 mile memorial Ride ended at Brandon Harley- Davidson where guests enjoyed an all day concert featuring LA GUNS with guitar legend and Dean endorsed artist TRACII GUNS along with the biker fueled sound of Spur Gang, thr acoustic country style of Rose Angelica as well as two bands made of up "LITTLE KIDS ROCK" students.
Ride for Dime President Rob Eichelberger said, "We are very excited about expanding our rides to Florida and at the same time helping abused children." "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 of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Inc.
"Dime was and will always be a huge part of the Dean Guitars family. Dean Guitars is honored to host the inaugural Ride for Dime Florida event. We care a great deal about the well-being of the kids in the Tampa area and to be able to help the Ride for Dime organization benefit the kids in our backyard so to speak, while paying tribute to Dime, is a great thing for everyone" said Dean Guitars CEO, Elliott "Dean" Rubinson.
When asked about the memorial rides held across the country and now in Florida, Dime's brother Vinnie Paul responded "The ride does my brother proud and I appreciate it taking place in his memory."