Not many people can boast that they hiked 2,172 miles, through 14 different states all in one attempt.. Ray Hudson can say just that, and that he raised over $45,000 for his favorite charity. Ray Hudson, a shop fabricator at Petty Enterprises, hiked the entire 2,172-mile Appalachian Trail starting in Springer Mountain, GA on March 1.. Hudson finished his hike on July 21, 143 days since he began.. His inspiration for this incredible hike was to raise funds for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. On August 11th at 4:00 pm Ray attended a huge welcome home bash and celebrated his very own Ray Hudson Day. The town of Randleman generously named August 11th Ray Hudson Day.. Over 100 individuals who donated to Ray’s hike joined Richard and Kyle Petty at the Petty Enterprises Fab Shop in Thomasville.. A check in the amount of $45,000 from Ray’s hike was presented to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “My goal was somewhere between $15,000 to $20,000. I just can’t believe that I raised $45,000, I had no idea. This is amazing, thank you”, said Ray Hudson. Kyle Petty was just as shocked at the amount raised, ” Ray we are so proud of you.. By living out your dream you helped us to build our dream of Victory Junction”. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org .(The Victory Junction Gang PR)(8-13-2003)
