Veteran’s Day Benefit Kicks Off Nov. 9 in Flagler County

BUNNELL – The “Heroes Ride & Gala,” which includes a police-escorted motorcycle ride to benefit two area veteran’s organizations, will begin Saturday, Nov. 9 with a memorial ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Presented by Bright House Networks and the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell, proceeds from the Veteran’s Day observance will go to the local Veteran’s Assistance Coalition and Rolling Thunder Inc. Florida Chapter 8; with an honorary donation to the Vetsville Cease Fire House in Boynton Beach, according to Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the personal injury firm. “For many of us, this event is close to our hearts,” Ziffra said. “While Veteran’s Day remembers those who have and are currently serving our country, this event also is a fundraiser for these non-profit agencies that help provide for disabled, homeless and hungry veterans.” Highlights at the ceremony will be talks by guest speakers including: ● Chris Noel, a model, actress and Vietnam War icon who performed in USO shows with Bob Hope and later founded the Vetsville Cease Fire House, a shelter for homeless American veterans; ● Jim Moyer, co-founder of The Ride Home and Honor-Release-Return; ● Florida Senator Dorothy Hukill, R-District 8; ● Lt. Col. Harry Gilman, United States Army Retired Chaplain; ● Col. Stephen Luxion, commander of Detachment 157, AFROTC, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Motorcyclists who participate in the ride portion of the event will leave Bunnell at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at the Coca-Cola Pavilion at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach at 6 p.m. The gala, which is open to non-riders as well, will be emceed by “King Bird” and “Stephanie” from Coast Country 93.1FM radio. Tickets for the ride or gala start at $25 and $35, respectively. Featured will be dancing and live entertainment, dinner and cocktails, a display of the Raydon military simulator, Texting and Driving Simulator and the Vietnam War Memorial Wall Replica. There also will be silent and live auctions of items like a signed Rolling Stones guitar, signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Sr. photos, as well as travel and hotel packages. While Bright House Networks and Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell are the primary presenters of the two-county event, organizers also are receiving sponsorship from WESH-TV, Gary Yeomans Ford Lincoln, Daytona International Speedway and others. For more information, call 386-788-7700 or, to purchase event tickets online, visit www.heroesrideandgala.com or like the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HeroesRideandGala. In case of rain, the event will be held Nov. 23.