This North Texas tradition honors man who spread Christmas spirit from his motorcycle

Ray Carter smiles bittersweetly when he remembers his late son, especially this time of year. It was always a special season to them both and combined two of their favorite things — motorcycles and making children happy.

Beginning in the 1980s when they lived in Beaumont and Randy was a teenager, it became a tradition that Ray would dress up as Santa and deliver presents to youngsters on Christmas Eve. Randy would tag along as Santa’s helper, later donning the costume himself, continuing the annual event even after they moved to the Fort Worth/Keller area in 2000.

Though Randy is gone now, the tradition continues each year through the Randy Carter Foundation. Once again the Randy Carter Memorial Christmas Ride will take place with Santa and his helpers arriving on bikes with lots of goodies for children and needy families in North Texas.

“The foundation was started by friends and family that loved Randy and Christmas initially. Since then, our volunteer count keeps increasing annually,” Ray said. “Even though they might not have known Randy, people volunteer because of his vision.

“With them and great organizations that have partnered with us I feel like the RCF will continue to grow even after I have gone.”

Randy was killed on June 11, 2011, when he was hit by a drunken driver in Austin. He was 42. The foundation was created in 2018.

Bring the cause to North Texas

When Randy and Ray moved to the area, it wasn’t long before they made an impact by doing the same things they had done in Beaumont. They also started a motorcycle club, the Ramblin’ Gamblers, of which Randy was vice president. Naturally, the club wanted to keep the Christmas spirit going, so they joined Randy in his mission.

“The kids go wild with excitement. They run to the door or come out of their houses just to see Santa,” said Elizabeth Carter, Randy’s stepmother. “The motorcycles seem to be a perk more for the adults. Parents cry and kids’ eyes get really big when the presents are seen.”

Being a single dad at the time of his death, Randy’s love for children began at home.

“As the only boy and oldest of five kids, Randy had the responsibility of being ‘the big brother,’” Ray said. “Because of this and the love of his parents, loving kids came naturally to Randy.”

Santa on a bike

This year’s delivery will be on Dec. 21, starting at 8 a.m., with Gary Vieregger, the club’s treasurer, playing the role of Santa. Elizabeth said it will take all day, as usual, but what a joyous day it will be as they see one smiling face after another.

“Kids are the whole purpose of our foundation,” Elizabeth said. “Kids are our future, and there are so many that are in need of basic needs. It is our mission to help.”

Elizabeth said seeing the kids getting presents is, of course, heartwarming. She believes that most of them would probably not get anything for Christmas, otherwise.

But it’s not just about toys, she added.

“Mom and dads are very grateful when we bring things like a bed for their baby or kids,” she said. “Maybe it’s food they don’t have and we bring them food. It is also humbling to see this knowing how blessed we are.”

How to help

The annual event delivers to families throughout North Texas, but Elizabeth said they have extended their generosity beyond the state borders even.

“We have been known to help a family in California, Georgia and North Carolina,” she said.

Families are vetted through school counselors. They also rely on word of mouth to hear of needy families, Elizabeth said.

“We have depended on donations and monies made from fundraisers to purchase toys. The response to our toy drive has been phenomenal and we will continue to have this as part of our organization,” she said.

Elizabeth estimates that over the years the Carters and Ramblin’ Gamblers have made Christmas special for thousands of families and children. They plan to keep it going for many years to come, and would love it if others want to continue joining them.

Among the items they accept as donations are toys, bikes (in good condition), helmets, clothing, basic needs and, of course, money. They have a donate button on the website, randycarterfoundation.org.

“We depend on the generosity of friends, family and companies we partner with to carry out this mission,” Elizabeth said. “We would like to thank them for their continued support. It is said that as we bring these gifts to children and the smiles grow so will the spirit of the Christmas.”

This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 5:50 AM.