BAILEY, Colo. -- Hundreds of motorcycle riders were expected to participate in a memorial ride from Columbine High School to Platte Canyon High School on Saturday.

The "Columbine to Canyon Ride" is to raise money for the Emily Keyes Foundation to benefit those involved in last week's hostage and fatal shooting tragedy at the Park County school.

Emily Keyes was one of the last two hostages held by Duane Morrison and was shot in the back of the head by Morrison as she attempted to escape. Morrison shot himself in the head and was also hit by several shots from approaching SWAT team members.

The ride was conceived by Bailey resident Danny Patino the day after the shooting. Other volunteers have stepped forward to help with planning for the event.

"We're all here to make this a great event and a parade for Emily," said Patino.

Riders leave Columbine High School at noon and will proceed down U.S. Highway 285 to Bailey and on to Platte Canyon High School. Pre-registration is requested before the ride. For more information, click here.

The Colorado State Patrol on Friday said that Highway 285 would not be closed for the ride and that motorists could continue to use the highway as they normally do.

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has proclaimed Saturday as "Emily Keyes Day" in honor of the slain Platte Canyon High School junior and the benefit ride.

Some motorcycle riders from as far away as New York State are expected to attend the event, Patino said.

Patino said he never expected such a huge response from the community.

"It's bigger than any one person. It's a community event," said Patino. "People from across the states have been calling me wanting to get involved in the ride. It's just exploded."

"This is a way to give back to the people who gave so much to us,"said Columbine High School Principal Frank DeAngeles. "It was a very difficult time and we saw what happened in Bailey and what happened in Pennsylvania."

"I felt it was important to give back was given to me," said one Columbine student.

Meanwhile, the Keyes family sent a letter of thanks to The Flume newspaper in Bailey, which said in part:

"There is no doubt that we live with amazing people in an amazing place. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and assistance. We are humbled by the unconditional support given by the people of our community. We love you guys."

It was signed by Casey-John Keyes, Ellen Stoddard-Keyes and John-Michael Keyes.

The Flume has a special 12-page downloadable section on the the Platte Canyon story and events. It is 10 MB in size and pdf format. Click here to view it.