Motorcycle Ride Raises $2,000 For Ramp In Soldier's Honor

Family and friends of the late Army Spc. Cody Grater are $2,000 closer toward their goal of building a skateboard ramp in the veteran's honor at Pioneer Park.

That's how much the Cody Grater Memorial Ride on Saturday brought in for the effort, said Larry Decker, Grater's stepfather and organizer of the event. It was well short of the goal, but many motorcyclists likely bailed on the poker run because of heavy morning showers, Decker said.

Grater, who was raised in Spring Hill, was an avid skateboarder and close friend of Stewart Abramowicz, who started a petition drive to get support for the county's first skate park before he was killed at age 12 in January 2001 while riding a scooter along Pinehurst Drive.

Grater was among many community members who continued the effort, ultimately resulting in the park on Pinehurst Drive, now known as Stewy's Skatepark. Grater was killed last July at the age of 20 from enemy fire while serving in Iraq.

The new ramp, which is expected to cost $20,000, will feature a plaque with Grater's name and details of his military service. Decker says he has a few ideas for another fundraiser this fall, including a bowl-a-thon. He encourages suggestions and support from the community, and can be reached at 232-0373.