FAIRHOPE, Ala. — “Riding To Give the Children Hope.”

That’s the motto for the 9th annual Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride and Concert taking place on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6 at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope.

Last year, over 2,200 people from all over the United States jumped on their motorcycles and rode to show support for Rileigh, Raylee and all the other children across the country with special medical needs.

Taking place on 300 acres of farmland, the two-day event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with a “Street Party” featuring three bands on three stages. The Tip Tops start things off at 7 p.m. on Stage 1, Grits-n-Pieces will be on the Barn Stage at 7:30 p.m. and Mustang Sally begins at 8:15 p.m. on Stage 2.

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday with Ronnie Levine on Stage 1 at 10 a.m. followed by Darlawan at noon on Stage 2, Grits-n-Pieces at 2 p.m. on Stage 1 and Travis Murray Band at 4 p.m. on Stage 2.

Local band The Leavin Brothers will hit the concert stage at 7 p.m. followed by headlining country star Blake Shelton at 9 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for the Friday Night Street Party only, $25 for the Saturday concert only, $40 for the concert and ride only. Reserved table seat is $100 or $1,000 for a reserved table for 10. There is also a camping package available for $180 that includes weekend camping pass, two Friday Night Street Party tickets and two Saturday Concert/Ride tickets.

Tickets may be purchased online at angel-ride.org, at the gate the day of the event or at these locations: Harley-Davidson in Mobile, Daphne and Pensacola, Hall’s Motor Sports in Mobile, Kaiser Realty in Gulf Shores, The Chrome Horse in Silverhill, Highland Animal Clinic in Daphne, Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope, The Leather Locker in Mobile, Retro Cycle in Fairhope, Malbis Yamaha in Daphne, Motor Sports Freaks in Daphne, Big Daddy’s in Fairhope and H & D Cycles in Lillian.

Mary Carolyn McDaniel, event coordinator and grandmother of Rileigh Glass, said over 10,000 people attended the event last year and it has grown bigger every year.

“We started back in 2002 with 200 riders and hometown bands. We had no idea it would be this big. We are so excited about all the support we have gotten from the community and amazed at how everyone has rallied to help these kids. And through them (Rileigh and Raylee), they are helping so many other kids,” McDaniel said.

The foundation, named for Rileigh Glass, born with Down Syndrome, and Raylee Odom, born with muscular dystrophy, began in 2002 when both sets of parents wanted to get some help for their children. According to the website, “their genetic conditions brought to light the hardships a family is challenged with when caring for children with special medical needs. A small group of family and friends took this awareness and turned it into the determination to establish a funding program that could help families faced with similar circumstances.”

Assisting families of children under 18 is the mission of the foundation and families who qualify could receive financial assistance with medical costs if their application is approved by the beneficiary board. A medical history is also required to be reviewed as well, McDaniel said.

A family is eligible for benefits once a year and since its beginning, the foundation has helped over 700 kids and raised around $500,000. “Because of the economy, the need grows every year and we are so glad to be able to help families in this way. And each child that has been helped is honored and invited back each year to participate in the event. We have a special tent set up just for them with all kinds of activities they can enjoy,” McDaniel explained.

As the main fundraising event for the foundation, the ride itself begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday with Rileigh and Raylee leading the way in cars. Going along the scenic roads of Baldwin County and Mobile Bay, the riders experience the cheer and well wishes from those along the route cheering them on.

“It’s so exciting for Rileigh and Raylee to see all the support form everyone along the route. They have such a great time riding along,” McDaniel said.

Although the ride is the main event on Saturday, there is a variety of different activities going on for the whole family to enjoy. Gates open at 9 a.m. with nine food and retail vendors from all over Alabama and Florida and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be carnival rides, games and train rides for the kids, McDaniel said.

“We will have lots of things for the kids to do and will have Sponge Bob Squarepants there for the kids to take pictures with. McDaniel said. A flier will be sent home from school for the event and if the kids bring it with them, they will get a free picture with Sponge Bob,” McDaniel said.

There will also be a silent auction from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with lots of different items such as a pool table, jewelry, paintings, Alabama and Auburn items, vacation and golf packages and various gift baskets. A sports bar will also be set up in one of the tents with football games available to watch at 2 p.m.

Bass Pro Shop will be raffling off a Party Barge and Twitch and Bobby Smith from Renegade Choppers have donated a custom-built 2010 pearl white soft tail chopper, McDaniel said. Tickets are $10 for one, $50 for six or $100 for 12.

With over 400 volunteers helping with the event, McDaniel is expecting a great crowd this year. “I hope the weather stays pretty so we can have a good turnout. We are looking forward to a great weekend. We want the whole family make a day of it and enjoy themselves.”

Major sponsors for the event include Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc., Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Coca-Cola, Hardees, Courtyard by Marriott, Baldwin EMC, Mossy Oak, and Mediacom.

There will be a $5 cash-only charge for parking and handicap parking is available at no charge. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged and small cameras are allowed. No outside food or beverage will be allowed.

For more information about the ride or concert, contact (251) 243-0365 or visit angel-ride.org. All donation made to the foundation are tax-deductible.