17-05-2025
Plantersville to host 35th annual St. Jude Bike-A-Thon fundraiser this weekend
PLANTERSVILLE — In 1990, Sextus Shannon encouraged his small, local baseball team of young boys — including his son — to take part in a new community event.
Plantersville's first-ever bike-a-thon to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis began with fewer than 10 bike riders. That year, they raised $500.
"We were excited about $500," said Shannon, a longtime Plantersville alderman.
This Sunday at 3 p.m., members of the Lee County community will gather again at the Plantersville Community Center at 225 Poplar for the event. This will be the 35th year for the St. Jude Bike-A-Thon, and all these years later, Shannon remains the coordinator, with much help from a great committee of about 16 people.
"I was black-headed at the first bike-a-thon," the 72-year-old Shannon said with a chuckle. "Now, I'm gray-headed."
The idea for the first Plantersville bike-a-thon came after Shannon visited St. Jude.
"I was touched by the experience," he said. "I couldn't come home and not do something."
St. Jude is a nonprofit hospital that researches pediatric diseases and offers free-of-charge care to those young people who have been diagnosed with these diseases.
The original funds of $500 have grown exponentially. In 2024, the St. Jude Bike-A-Thon netted $44,000.
"Some much bigger cities raise a few thousand dollars," Shannon said. "We just show out."
Bicycle riders, as well as walkers, take part in the event, which last year had about 60 participants. But even those who aren't riding or walking are invited to come out and support the community.
In the days prior to Sunday's main event, other fundraisers have taken place, including a silent auction, a roadblock, a lunch, a dinner and tickets were sold for a chance to win a big-screen television. A trail ride was scheduled but had to be cancelled because of inclement weather.
Members of the community and beyond are encouraged to come out Sunday afternoon and be a part of the event. The street will be blocked off about 2:30 to prepare for the opening ceremony.
"We have a lot of fun," Shannon said. "And it is all for such a great cause."
