By By MaryClaire Foster
It has been six years since Melinda McGhee went missing from her home in Poarch, but family and friends have not given up hope on finding closure.
To aid in the continual search for answers, a bike ride fundraiser will be held Saturday at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel to raise money for the Melinda McGhee Reward Fund. Money from the reward fund will be given for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
McGhee was reported missing by her husband in March of 2003 and after authorities searched her home found evidence of foul play.
Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said the investigation is ongoing.
Rita Tullis, a cousin of McGhee, is helping to organize the event and said it is the family’s hope that the bike ride will bring attention back to the case.
The fund is currently at $15,000.
Tullis said the family has not given hope in McGhee coming home.
Tullis said so far 200 bikes have already signed up for the event, which is being sponsored by Wind Creek, South Alabama Vending and Elite Sporting Goods.
Tullis said live music from the bands Slammers Band and Beulah Land South Band will be playing before and after the ride. The bands will be the first to perform in the newly finished Wind Creek Casino and Hotel’s amphitheater.
Tullis expressed her appreciation to the community for their support as well as to the sponsors.
Anyone wishing to participate in the bike ride or donate to the reward may call Rita Tullis at 850-394-7784.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office asks that if anyone has any information, even if it seems insignificant, to call their office at 251-809-0741.