Special to the Herald

The public is cordially invited to join Whayne Supply Company as it hosts an exciting event for a worthy cause featuring the popular CAT Chopper.

The "Whayne Ride Against Drugs" at Perry County Park in Hazard, on Saturday, September 17, 2005, will benefit Operation UNITE Drug Prevention & Rehabilitation, which serves Eastern Kentucky. The money raised will help build new drug treatment facilities in Pikeville (Pike County) and Manchester (Clay County).

"Whayne Supply Company has a 92 year history in Eastern Kentucky and we are very concerned about drug abuse in our community," says Monty Boyd, president of Whayne Supply Company. "We hope to engage our customers and the public in raising awareness of this serious issue while hosting a fun, family-friendly event with the CAT Chopper as its tour of North America continues."

Inspired by Caterpillar engineering and design, the CAT Chopper was made by Orange County Choppers in Rock Tavern, New York and unveiled before a cheering crowd in Las Vegas last spring. The custom bike's popularity soared after being featured on episodes of the Discovery Channel series, "American Chopper."

Fans of the CAT Chopper are showing tremendous support for the Whayne Ride Against Drugs event. Motorcyclists from the Hazard area are putting the pedal to the metal by organizing a "Poker Run" with proceeds going to Operation Unite. Bikers from other cities - Ashland, Pikeville, Prestonsburg and London - are staging "Ride-Ins" to Hazard to see the CAT Chopper and pitch in with fundraising as well.

Other attractions at the event will include the #22 Caterpillar NASCAR race car, a Caterpillar ACERT truck engine display, and Caterpillar equipment displays. A new Harley Davidson 2005 Super Glide custom motorcycle will be raffled off. Tickets are $25.00 each and available through Whayne Supply locations in Hazard, Pikeville, Ashland, Corbin and Lexington.

There will also be music provided by a deejay. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. A portion of the sales will benefit Operation UNITE.