Flight of the Dove marks 21st year with 204 riders and more than $50,000 raised

VIA Health Partners – Laurens County’s 21st annual Flight of the Dove drew 204 registered riders to Clinton on Aug. 1 and raised more than $50,000 in support of hospice care in Laurens County.

Riders traveled from six states to take part, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Illinois and Texas. The oldest registered rider was 83 and the youngest was 20. Of those registered, 150 were men and 54 were women.

The ride was supported by 51 volunteers stationed at the stadium and at rest stops along the route, along with 26 volunteer motorcycles.

The C.W. Anderson Foundation returned as presenting sponsor. The foundation has long-standing ties to Laurens County and has backed the event through its growth into one of the area’s signature charitable rides.

“Twenty-one years in, Flight of the Dove is still powered by the same thing it started with, which is people who care about their neighbors,” said Tom Atwood, vice president of philanthropy for VIA Health Partners. “Our riders, our volunteers and the C.W. Anderson Foundation make this day possible, and every dollar raised goes toward walking alongside patients and families in Laurens County when they need it most.”

This year’s memorial dove release honored the life and service of the Rev. Dan Compton.

A native of Greenwood, Compton devoted his career to the pastoral care of older adults. After retiring from South Carolina Baptist Ministries on Aging Inc., he joined the staff of Hospice of Laurens County in 2000 and served as lead chaplain for 20 years before retiring in 2021.

In that role, Compton ministered to patients and their families, assisted with the organization’s grief counseling program and helped lead its pediatric grief camp, now known as Chameleon’s Journey. He represented the hospice organization throughout the greater Laurens County area in countless ways.

Compton was widely known for his work across the Upstate before he came to Hospice of Laurens County, and his care for patients and families deepened his reputation as a servant leader. He was one of the organization’s longest serving employees. The hospice house chapel is named in his honor.

Check out the photos from the event in the gallery.