Communities in East Tennessee rally to aid Kentucky tornado survivors with a benefit ride hosted by “Xtreme SXS Powersports.”

LAFOLLETTE, Tenn. — Communities in East Tennessee continue to support survivors of a tornado that hit London and Somerset, Kentucky. Early Saturday morning, Xtreme SXS Powersports hosted a benefit ride to raise money for those two communities.

The owners of that small business and the event organizers John and Angie Gultice, have stepped up to help after several disasters.

“We’re from Ohio and Tornado Alley. We’ve seen numerous devastating tornadoes there, so we know the feeling and the heartbreak that comes with that. We didn’t even have to think about it. Like we have to do this. It was a no-brainer,” Angie said.

She said their most recent benefit work took them to Western North Carolina to help after Hurricane Helene.

“Something just pulled my heartstrings and told me we should be down there. So, we in a matter of probably 48 hours, gathered up as many people that we knew down here,” she said. “That was one of the most devastating things I’ve ever seen and it was the most rewarding as well.”

Gultice said they fully believe in karma and doing good things to help others. She said whether it’s their customers or friends, they go above and beyond every time.

“If we can help lessen that burden for a community or even a single person, one person, then it’s worth it,” she said.

That’s something other small businesses that sponsored the event agree with.

Noah Brown with Tennessee Customz said his business agreed to help because small businesses support other small businesses. He said he knew that support would be reciprocated.

“It’s our neighbors. They’re very close, I’ve got family members and friends that were affected by it that I know that live up there in Kentucky. So, it was no question to help them. This is just a small thing that we can do,” he said.

Matt Rogers with Rogers Bros. Detailing said it wasn’t a difficult decision to make. He said in situations like these, if communities don’t step up, no one will.

“I drove straight through there and I got to see firsthand the devastation of that tornado. Everything was cleared out and there’s nothing there. It was just rubble. John called me for this. He’s like, ‘Hey, I want to raise some money. I want to do something great for everyone that was affected up there.’ I’m like, that’s a no-brainer. Let’s do it,” Rogers said.

Their goal is to raise as much money as they can. They are still selling raffle tickets and accepting donations through Friday. After that, they said they plan to travel to Kentucky and give the funds to someone who can distribute them into the community.