When last year’s Hometown Hero’s riders kicked up their stands and motored off, they did so in support of retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer Lonnie J. Mills, who was injured in a motorcycle accident last March.
What the riders may not have known is that they were setting a precedent. The inaugural ride drew more than 300 riders and raised more than $35,000, enough to expand the original project’s scope to multiple families.
This year’s benefit is providing assistance to four emergency first responders, military veterans and their families as well as scholarships to a program that aids former soldiers battling PTSD. The Second Annual Hometown Hero’s Ride will take place on April 22.
“We have a lot of veterans and public servants in our area with unique assistive needs,” said Mike Minter, event organizer, and senior builder with MasterCraft Builder Group, one of the sponsors of the event along with Adamec Harley-Davidson and RightWay Integrated Lawn and Pest Control Solutions. “The overwhelming proceeds from last year’s event allowed us to help additional families by providing mobility assistance in the form of wheelchair ramps and other construction needs. This year, we’re helping four emergency first responders, military veterans and their families by performing necessary mobility alterations and repairs to their existing homes through Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of Northeast Florida Builder’s Association.”
Additionally, the Hometown Hero’s Ride will provide scholarships to HorsePlay Therapy’s Rise Up For Veterans, a program that helps veterans and wounded warriors battling PTSD through equine-assisted learning and therapy.
Many first responders and military vets injured either on or off the job also require assistance in the form of wheelchair ramps and other construction needs. Since 2001, Builders Care, a faith-based nonprofit, has been filling the needs of the elderly and disabled and other nonprofits in the area.
“It’s not just about building a ramp or widening doorways, it’s about strengthening the community around these families through support,” said Minter. “These people who have dedicated their lives to caring for the public need to know that those same people are in their corner. We want them to know that we’re here for them.”
The Second Annual Hometown Hero’s Ride will be held April 22, starting and ending at Adamec Harley-Davidson of St. Augustine, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. Registration is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the ride kicks off at 11 a.m. Registration cost is $25 per bike and the first 300 registered bikes include a ride T-shirt. Lunch and refreshments provided.
The fundraiser will benefit Builders Care and is presented in coordination with the Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association St. Johns County Chapter and Adamec Harley-Davidson of St. Augustine.
To become a sponsor, contact Krissy Barkas at kbarkas@nefba.com.
