My Name is Teresa Welch, I am the Founder/Owner of the Ride on Cannon Foundation.
I started the foundation in September of 2020. I wasn’t planning on starting a nonprofit it just happened. August 9th of 2020 a 5yr old boy named Cannon Hinnant was riding his bicycle outside his fathers home and the neighbor Darius Sessoms walked up to Cannon, put a gun to his head and shot him. Cannon didn’t survive his Injuries. I learned of this tragedy on social media and questioned why his story wasn’t given the awareness it deserved.
Because of this I wanted to show the family that I see them, I hear them and I feel their pain so I decided to put together a local memorial/fundraiser event for the family. I got to work and I had to work fast because I only had 45 days. September 26th finally came and what started out as something small organically grew into something huge.
As I looked around and seen everything that I was able to do in such a short period of time I said to myself “Why Stop” so I asked Austin (Cannons dad) if I could honor his son and name the foundation after Cannon. I Immediately filed for my 501(c)(3) and the Ride on Cannon Foundation was born.
We do 4 Fundraisers a Year. Easter Eggstravaganza, Back to School Backpacks, Helping for the Holidays and Ride on Cannon Christmas.
To Date we have given 250 kids bicycle with helmets at our Easter Egg Hunt, 376 Backpacks full if the child’s school list in addition to a brand new outfit with new shoes for their first day of school.
Supplied 40 families all the food needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal with extras.
We have sponsored 420 kids at Christmas, each child to receive Jackets, Hats, Gloves, socks, underwear, winter clothing, shoes, a big toy, a few little toys and each child receives a stocking.
After 52 years I finally found my purpose and I hold onto the promise I made to that 5 yr old innocent child “Cannon” that he will not be forgotten and that he would live on through good works. Donations can be made through our Website www.rideoncannonfoundation.org
Thank you for your consideration.
Teresa Welch
804-731-1394 [email protected]