Sam’s Wish Fund at Kids Path of AuthoraCare is a special fund created to help make dreams come true for children and families served by Kids Path. The fund exists because of the incredible generosity of our community and is named in memory of Samantha Harvell — a teenager whose courage, strength, and joyful spirit inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sam passed away on November 15, 2008 at the age of 15, but her spirit continues to live on through the wishes granted in her name.

Sam’s Wish Fund was formally established in 2009 through the efforts of The Tricky Ricky Memorial Ride, a local motorcycle ride and outdoor music festival held in memory of Ricky Shambley. Through a partnership between the Tricky Ricky Ride and Kids Path of Hospice (now AuthoraCare Collective), Sam’s Wish Fund at Kids Path was created to support children diagnosed with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

For more than a decade, the Tricky Ricky Ride & Music Festival has served as the primary source of fundraising for the fund. Through the generosity of riders, sponsors, businesses, and community members, thousands of dollars have been raised through donations, raffles, and auctions held during the event.

These funds help make special wishes possible and provide meaningful support to children and their families. Wishes have included family vacations, televisions, laptops, art supplies, literacy materials, toys, electronics, play equipment, and other items that bring comfort, joy, and lasting memories during difficult times.

Kids Path of AuthoraCare serves children and families across numerous counties including Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, and Stokes, and in special circumstances can assist families outside these areas as well.

All donations to Sam’s Wish Fund are tax-deductible as permitted by law.