Benefit Concert: Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3732 NE Stallings Drive in Nacogdoches. Concert begins at 7 p.m.

The unique name of the bike ride, Loblolly Liberator, originated from one of the Treatment Center’s employees, a paraplegic who participated in his first bike ride benefit—a 25-mile course—with a hand cycle. "Loblolly" is a type of pine tree that is native to our East Texas area; "liberator" represents the experience of being released.

The programs at the Nacogdoches Treatment Center focus on helping free—or liberate—people from their barriers.The bike ride features five different courses (a 10-mile, 30-mile, 53-mile, 77-mile and 100-mile). All proceeds go to fund the NTC. The great thing about the bike ride is that anyone can get involved.

One way to participate in the Loblolly Liberator is to ride. Biking through East Texas is a great way to spend a Spring day. You can participate as an individual, or get a team of co-workers, friends and family members to join in the fun.

If bike riding isn’t for you, why not offer your time on event day to help out? Plenty of opportunities exist for volunteers. Helping staff rest stations or driving ‘pick-up’ wagons for riders who may need assistance are just a couple of ways you can help.

If time won’t allow your physical participation, consider fiscal participation. The Loblolly Liberator is a fundraiser designed to support the programs of the NTC. While we do hope the event attracts numerous participants, we also depend on the event to assist the Treatment Center financially.