Third Annual Riding with an Angel Ride remembers daughter's legacy

For Alisha and Corey Tibbitts, there isn't a day that doesn't go by that they don't pause and think about their daughter, Millie Ann Jean Tomlin.

Their daughter passed away tragically in 2024 after getting caught and crushed in an adjustable bed. 

Since then, they have honored her legacy with a benefit motorcycle ride that aids their daughter's favorite charity, Shop with a Cop. This year's event, the Third Annual Riding with an Angel, will take place June 27 and leave from Beechwood Park, 500 S. College St., Rockville. 

The cost is $25 for a rider/driver and $10 for passengers. In addition, there will be a 50/50, a silent auction, numerous stops along the route, music and food once the event is over. The event is open to anyone with a motorcycle, jeep, side by side, car or truck. Registration takes place at 9:30 a.m. and kickstands go up at 11 a.m. 

"Millie was 8 years old when she was tragically killed. Millie was very outgoing, loved to ride motorcycles, loved to be in jeeps and was a spontaneous little girl. She made friends with everybody in school. I have heard from several people in the community about how she helped their kids in school. There was never a negative mindset with her. Millie always wanted to help people, so when Millie passed away, we made the decision to do this to continue to help her friends and her school. Within 24 hours, the community helped me come up with funeral funds, as I was lost, confused and didn't know what to do. This is our way to give back to the community for Millie," Alisha Tibbitts told The Parke County Post. 

Alisha Tibbitts said Shop with a Cop held a special place in Millie's heart.

"Millie watched her grandfather be an officer for the Rockville Police Department. She grew very fond with him. Millie's grandmother got cancer, and Shop with a Cop brought her in and she was in love with it. They had a heart for her, and when she went to do that, it was the year she died, and she said, "Mom, they help people who aren't in trouble, too." It was neat to see her do that. Her grandpa was very involved in Shop with a Cop, too. She wanted to be a cop. She wanted to help people," Alisha Tibbitts said. 

A year ago, Corey Tibbitts reported that the ride's efforts raised over $3,000, enabling more than 30 children to have a Christmas. 

"Millie loved to help people, especially kids her age, and to know that we got 30 kids Christmas was absolutely amazing. We are hoping to do better than that this year. We want to make a statement. There are no words I can put on it as to what it means to me to know her name made a difference to those kids. All the local kids that knew Millie know she is gone, but she continues to provide. It is inspiring," Corey Tibbitts said. 

The ride will leave Beechwood Park and will stop at Millie's grave, where all on motorcycles are asked to rev their engines. From there, it will go to Montezuma and then to Mecca and Rosedale, where the Rosedale Diner will have an entire menu in honor of Millie. The ride will then head to Marshall before returning to Rockville, where it will end at the Elks Lodge, 360 West Strawberry Rd. 

"We will have two live bands, food, kids bounce house, over 30 silent auction items, 50/50 item, pulled pork sandwiches for everybody. It will be a good time, and all the funds go to Shop with a Cop. It started as jeeps and then motorcycles were added. This is for the community and the kids, and we try to make the best of what we can. This is for everybody," Corey Tibbitts said.