JACKSON, MI – While you haven’t seen Rockin’ Rodney breakdancing in the streets, he has been visible riding around town on his moped.
However, when Rodney “Rockin’ Rodney” Dowding’s Leoni Township home burned in August, his beloved red moped was lost, along with many of his other belongings.
Related: Meet Rockin’ Rodney, Jackson’s rock ‘n’ roll dancing legend
Rockin’ Rodney bought that moped himself after saving money from taking back cans, bottles and helping out at Maurer’s Sunshine Car Wash and Center Car Wash, Jackson realtor and friend Debbie Chambers said.
He used the moped every day, and after the fire, he was left to travel by foot. Seeing him struggling to get places, the community rallied to help him out, surprising him with some new wheels.
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The fundraiser was started by Chambers, who has known Rockin’ Rodney since their days in school together, she said.
“He started collecting bottles and cans again to be able to purchase another moped to get around,” Chambers said. “I saw him out walking and he had a little plastic bag of cans headed to Meijer and I’m like ‘I gotta do something.’”
Chambers made a Facebook post about Rodney’s situation and around 38 people chipped into purchase him a new moped, she said. About a dozen of them waited in TC Powersports, 4501 Page Ave., on Friday, Dec. 2, for him to come in and see his new ride.
This included his sister and cousin Mindy Coppernoll and Kelley Hines, who said they were excited to see the community come together for the Jackson icon.
“Everybody knows Rockin’ Rodney, right? He’s been known and entertained us for years. Dancing while he’s walking, just the happy spirit,” Hines said.
“So, for people to come around to do this for him is just great. It’s overwhelming and a wonderful thing. It’s definitely uplifting,” Coppernoll added.
When Rockin’ Rodney walked through the door, he had no clue what was happening. Chambers had told him they were stopping there because she was going to get something for herself.
Instead, he saw a moped with a bow on it, surrounded by people. A wide smile spread across his face, which was damp from a few tears. He went around the room, giving hugs to almost everyone and thanking them.
“I was very surprised,” he said, with a huge smile on his face.
The blue scooter was accompanied by a cart for him to put his cans and bottles in as well. He also got a helmet so he can ride safely.
“To know that I could help him out -- we’ve known each other for a long time -- is great,” Chambers said. “He would walk to the Michigan Center home football games, basketball games for girls and boys. He goes to the East Jackson ones. It’s a good five-mile hike. So now at least (he will) hopefully be able to take his moped to places when the weather’s horrible.”
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