From Lynchburg Ride to Statewide Fundraiser

Widow's Sons State Rally will bring riders to Shelbyville to raise money for several charitable causes

5:45 p.m. May 27, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

What began as a one-day ride from a Lynchburg Masonic lodge has grown into a statewide rally aimed at putting more motorcycles on the road and more money toward Tennessee charities.

The Tennessee Widow's Sons State Rally is scheduled for Oct. 16-18, 2026, at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds, 1110 N. Evans St. in Shelbyville. Proceeds from the rally will benefit the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Warrior’s Center, Widows and Orphans Fund of Tennessee, Shriners Children’s Hospitals, and other charitable efforts.

Joseph Lundy, worshipful master at Lynchburg’s Farris Creek Masonic Lodge, said the event started as a much smaller local effort.

“In the past years, we have just done a day ride that has started at the lodge,” Lundy said. “In the past, it has landed on the 9/11 event they have on the Square, so the lodge would serve breakfast to the runners, and also the bikers, and all of the money would go toward the Fisher House.”

The Tennessee Fisher House Foundation supports free lodging for military and veterans’ families while a loved one receives medical care.

This year, organizers are expanding the effort beyond a single-day ride. The Shelbyville venue gives the event room to grow into a larger rally with a statewide reach.

“Because we have grown this event into a much larger event, we have decided to hold a rally which will bring in more bikes and more money for the charities,” Lundy said.

The Hiram's Squires Widow's Sons is a Masonic motorcycle riders association. The heart of the event remains much the same as it was when it started in Lynchburg: ride, serve, and raise more money for people who need it. Lundy noted the bikers have donated more than $75,000 to the Fisher House over the past seven years.

Organizers are now seeking sponsors, in-kind donations, and community support ahead of the October rally.

Sponsorships begin at $100. Bronze sponsors receive recognition in a group social media sponsor post. Silver sponsors, at $300, receive an individual social media spotlight. Gold sponsors, at $500, receive an individual social media spotlight, yard signs, and $50 off two VIP weekend passes.

The $1,000 platinum sponsorship includes a 5-foot-by-2-foot banner with the sponsor’s company name or logo, two free VIP weekend passes, and an individual social media spotlight post.

Sponsors who receive banners or yard signs will work directly with the rally’s graphic designer on the final design.

The rally is also accepting in-kind donations. Donated goods or services will be counted at fair market value and recognized at the appropriate sponsorship level.

Those interested in sponsoring the rally are asked to provide their name, phone number, email address, company name, company logo, Facebook information, and website information. Company logos and related information may be emailed to tn2319rally@gmail.com.

Payments may be made by check, cash, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to Tennessee Widow's Sons State Rally.

For payment questions, call or text Lundy at (615) 318-5871.