Community Corner

Bikers to Ride For Dominick Calhoun on Saturday

Poker run benefit to ride through Livingston County area for Argentine Township boy, who was beaten and killed.

Tammy Betts’ heart breaks every time she thinks of Dominick Calhoun.

The Argentine resident lived right around the corner from the toddler who was allegedly tortured and beaten to death in April of 2010.

“We wanted to do something to honor him and my husband is a biker,” Betts said.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The result was a memorial motorcycle ride and last August more than 100 people participated and raised around $2,500 for a The Haven, an abuse shelter in Oakland County.

Now Betts and her husband Chris are preparing for round two.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bikers will honor the late Argentine Township toddler with the 2nd Annual Dominick Calhoun Memorial Ride from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday starting at Barons Clubhouse, 101 Genesee St, in Gaines and traveling to several places including the , 7071 Bennett Lake Road in Fenton.

Bikers will collect a playing card at each location and there will be a prize for the top three poker hands.

Registration will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Barons Clubhouse. Stops also include Pirate's Cove, 119 Warren St., in Bancroft, Charlie's Bar, 136 N Main St, in Perry and the Bloated Goat, 141 E. Grand River Ave, in Fowlerville. Cost is $15 or $20 with a passenger.

The event will end at Janelle's Banquet Center, 9072 Silver Lake Road in Linden. There will be a $5 pasta dinner, which begins at 3 p.m. and live entertainment, which will be performed until 7:30 p.m.  Dinner visitors are encouraged to RSVP at dcmemorialride@yahoo.com.

“There has been an overwhelming response this year,” said Betts, who volunteers at the Haven. “I see a lot of cases involving children, but my heart still breaks every time.”

The funds raised this year will go to the Whaley Children Center in Flint, a private agency that has a tradition of caring for children and families in crisis.

“Bikers are usually extremely generous,” Betts. “Despite their tough image, they get choked up and emotional when talking about children, especially Dominick."

Former Tyrone Township mother Corrine Baker and Baker's boyfriend at the time, Brandon Hayes, 25, who was living with her, have been charged with the murder of Dominick. Hayes has also been charged with several felonies including child abuse and torture.  He is facing life in prison. Prosecutors allege that Hayes beat Calhoun after he wet his pants.

“We want to bring more awareness to child abuse and help as many children as we can,” Betts said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here