Fundraiser set for Brittany Riffe

Brittany Riffe believes a two-week stint at Project Walk, a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries, will teach her the skills she needs to eventually get out of her wheelchair and stand on her own again.

Brittany's time at Boston's Project Walk in April will cost $2,500, not counting the specialized home exercise equipment her family will need to purchase so she can keep up with the skills she'll learn.

The Plex in North Charleston is sponsoring a benefit ride, tattoo contest and live entertainment Sunday to help raise funds for the 18-year-old Stratford High School student who was paralyzed in a car accident six days before the start of her senior year.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at The Plex, 2390 W. Aviation Ave.

The motorcycle ride will include stops at venues such as Red's Ice House, the Windjammer and the Pickled Parrot, with bikes returning by 5:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple, and $10 per person for non-riders who want to listen to live entertainment at The Plex all afternoon.

Bob Shipley, Plex general manager, said he hasn't met Brittany but has been inspired by reading about her efforts to overcome her injury and maintain a positive outlook.

"She's a courageous young lady," Shipley said. "I've been wanting to do something for her since her accident happened."

For more information on Sunday's benefit, call 225-7540.