Shepley sponsors a 'Big' ride for a big cause

Shepley Wood Products is the exclusive sponsor an event that will include 1,000 motorcycle riders thundering across Cape Cod on a 35-mile journey.

Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen is the largest fundraiser for the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund and has raised more than $500,000 since it began 10 years ago.  The fund is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization designed to support area veterans and military families in need.  

The goal this year is assist veterans who have been hit by hard times with little or no resources due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Slated for July 19, and kicking off at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Complex, the ride will honor 16 fallen heroes with ties to Cape Cod.

Organizer Stephen Xiarhos reached out to Hyannis, Mass.-based Shepley Wood Products Owner and President Tony Shepley for support. In response, Shepley was more than happy to lend a hand.

“Shepley Wood Products is proud to honor our heroes who have served, and support Big Nick’s Ride for the Cape Cod Fallen as the exclusive 2020 sponsor,” Shepley said.

Nicholas G. Xiarhos was a United States Marine and died in combat on July 23, 2009 while rescuing fellow marines during operation “Strike of the Sword.”

“The Xiarhos Gold Star Family, and everyone at Big Nick’s Ride for the Cape Cod Fallen, is proud to have Tony Shepley and everyone at Shepley’s Wood Products as our exclusive sponsor and partner,” said Stephen Xiarhos. “We all love our great Nation and the men, women, and families that serve, defend, and sacrifice for it. God bless and remember the Cape Cod Fallen 16.”

For information about the ride, including registration and route information, visit bignicksride.org.

Shepley was recently honored by the Cape and Islands United Way with its inaugural Visionary Award.