Ride for Recovery raises almost $2,000 for Drug Court Foundation

The 2-hour ride began at Texas Roadhouse in Palm Coast and ended at the scenic 2K Ranch with a pig roast, games, raffles and music.

By Christine Rodenbaugh, Contributing Writer
| 2:00 p.m. October 17, 2023

VFW Riders for Recovery Diana and Ralph Williams participated because it’s a local event and “it’s a good cause.” Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

In addition to traditional two-wheelers, three-wheel motorcycles and even Jeeps joined the 2-hour ride from Texas Roadhouse to the ranch. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

“It was a very nice ride,” Palm Coast VFW members Jerry and Rae Ambach said. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

The 2023 Ride for Recovery participants arrive at the scenic 2K Ranch for a pig roast and other festivities on Saturday, Oct. 14, to benefit the programs and services provided by the Flagler County Drug Court Foundation for people in recovery. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Denise Podach tries ax throwing for the first time. “It’s exciting,” she said. “I get to meet new friends and connect with old ones.” Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Shawn Connors and Kevin Kovacs sit down for a barbecue lunch. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Nichole DeMaio attended to support the Drug Court. “I’m in recovery and proud of it,” she said. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Pitmaster Robert Harding carves the pig he began roasting in a pit about 2 p.m. on Friday, the day before the event. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Only cold coals remain in the pig roasting pit. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Mary Shields, left, and Dana Cole take a break from the festivities to enjoy lunch. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Frank Shields, of American Roaster coffee, makes sure everyone has easy access to raffle tickets. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Frank Santana, a retired manufacturing skills courses teacher at Flagler Palm Coast High School, volunteers time, talent and equipment to DJ for the event. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

“Snowy Joey” Sherman, a local 16-year-old entrepreneur, offers cool treats from his Snowy Smoothie Saloon food truck. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Steve Sherman supports his teenage son’s Snowy Smoothie Saloon food truck. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

After a 2-hour ride that began at Texas Roadhouse in Palm Coast, Ride for Recovery participants enjoy a barbecue lunch with friends, new and old. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Ride for Recovery participants enjoy a barbecue lunch. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Flagler County Drug Court Foundation President Michael Feldbauer addresses riders and volunteers. Feldbauer founded the organization in 2009 to assist those in recovery, help reduce the stigma of those suffering and educate the community at large. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Dawn Cutkamp fills out raffle tickets at 2K Ranch, the final destination of the 2023 Ride for Recovery. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

VFW Riders Palm Coast member Kathy Henderson aims for a bullseye at the ax-throwing station. “It’s a beautiful day to be riding,” she said. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Tressie Paytas wears a tee shirt in memory of her son and pets a horse at the ranch with her friend, Natalia Roles. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Bill and Monique Myers seek to bring awareness to the fentanyl crisis at a local, state and national level. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Johnny Dyer leaves the 2023 Ride for Recovery event with sea glass art, including a turtle picture frame. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Sea glass art on display. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Monica Garcia, whose cleaning company supports cancer patients, and Erica Rivera, founder of the National CARE Foundation, exchange information. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The 2023 Ride for Recovery raised just under $2,000 on Saturday, Oct. 14 to benefit the programs and services provided by the Flagler County Drug Court Foundation for people in recovery.

The 2-hour ride began at Texas Roadhouse in Palm Coast and ended at the scenic 2K Ranch with a pig roast, games, raffles and music. Nearly 40 boxes containing two doses of Narcan were distributed Saturday.

“We hope they expire before they’re used, but we want them to be available in case anyone needs the help,” said Michael Feldbauer, president of the Flagler County Drug Court Foundation. “As important as the fundraising is important to us, reducing the stigma through education and awareness at events like this is just as, if not more, important,” he said.

The all-volunteer foundation has provided well over 3,000 boxes since its founding in 2009. “Every volunteer who works with us has a heart for recovery,” Feldbauer said.