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 https://christianopportunity.org/ or connect with Christian Opportunity Center on Facebook.

Rayla Wilson (right) and COC Executive Director Rod Braun (left) at Wednesday’s Pella Christian High School’s Awards Night

Christian Opportunity Center (COC) has selected Pella Christian High School’s Rayla Wilson as the 2015 Sarah M. Braun Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Named in honor of the late daughter of COC Executive Director Rod Braun and his wife Robin and made possible by the COC Foundation Fund, the $1,000 scholarship is presented to a high school senior pursuing an academic focus in human services.

Wilson plans to major in elementary education with a minor in special education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul beginning in the fall of 2015.

Criteria for the scholarship include academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal character and personality. Applications for the scholarship are accepted from all COC service areas.

Daughter of Neil and Angela, Wilson is a Presidential Scholar at Pella Christian, achieving honor roll recognition each semester during her high school career. She also received four superior ratings in flute ensembles.

A Pella native and member of Federated Fellowship Church, Wilson is employed at Jaarsma Bakery and volunteers at The Mango Tree, a ministry of Many Hands for Haiti.

Founded in 1969, COC provides residential and vocational support and services to more than 250 people with disabilities in Marion, Mahaska, Warren and Polk counties. For more information visit www.christianopportunity.org.