Tag: Raffle
Casey Richardson
A distinctive custom-built motorcycle was formally revealed in Penticton on Thursday evening, following months of dedicated work and community collaboration.
Discovery House’s Chopper of Hope fundraiser was announced in January, fueling excitement to witness the project.
This fundraising initiative, brought to life by Bannister Ford Penticton, provides one fortunate supporter the opportunity to own their dream bike.
The 1971 Harley Davidson was crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers, with Darrell Richards spearheading the effort at his motorcycle shop, Sinister Speed Co.
The fundraiser is dedicated to the memory of former Discovery House Executive Director Jerome Abraham, who sadly passed away last year after a battle with cancer.
Board member Jimmy Slimz recounted how he and Richards proposed the idea to the board last year. This led to gathering funds, purchasing a frame, and beginning the bike’s construction.
Castanet visited in February to get a sneak peek at the work done on the rigid frame Springer.
A condition of Richards allowing the use of his shop for this project was that client input would be incorporated.
Slimz, a former client of Discovery House from a decade ago, shared his surprise at the value gained from the collaborative experience.
“They are part of something larger than themselves, which is vital in recovery,” he expressed.
At Thursday’s unveiling, Canadian artist Cameron Whitcomb was introduced as the special guest and celebrity sponsor.
Nearly two years sober himself, Whitcomb discussed his journey to sobriety.
“If you’re seeking sobriety, or dealing with it, just find your purpose,” he advised, emphasizing how music has supported him. “Having something to look forward to helps keep me clean.”
He performed his track Quitter, which discusses addiction and has nearly 60 million streams on Spotify.
Jason Schafer, a Discovery House client, reflected that building the bike reminded him of his childhood alongside his father.
“It gave me something to anticipate each week,” he shared. “The sense of achievement and pride from seeing the final result is incredibly fulfilling.”
The motorcycle, aptly named Hope, was revealed to an enthusiastic crowd. Richards described it as a “moving piece of art representing sobriety and new beginnings.”
The chopper, combining classic aesthetics with modern performance, features:
- S&S SH93 Engine – Reliable, powerful, and durable
- 6-Speed Ultima Transmission – Smooth and contemporary shifting
- Springer Front End – Timeless design with enhanced function
- Modern Electronics – Newly updated for dependability
- Custom Seat by Hagel’s Upholstery
- Eye-Catching Paint by Maxum Autobody
- All-New Parts throughout
Raffle tickets are available until October 31, 2025. A single ticket costs $50, while a 3-ticket pack is priced at $100. Tickets can be purchased online here, in person at Discovery House or Bannister Ford Penticton, or you can contact [email protected] | 250-328-5142 for help.
Until the bike finds its new owner, it will tour around the community, appearing at local events, including Peachfest and the beach cruise.
All proceeds will directly benefit Discovery House, which offers support for wellness, recovery, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing addiction challenges.
The winner will be announced in a draw on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Photo: Jimmy Slimz
Bannister Ford Penticton, the Legendary Rider Title Sponsor for the Discovery House Chopper of Hope Fundraiser, unveiled on Thursday
Photo: Discovery House
Discovery House’s Chopper of Hope fundraiser was announced back in January, and anticipation has been building to see the project.
By Casey Richardson
A unique specialty bike aimed at supporting Penticton’s Discovery House is taking shape, with about 25% of the construction completed.
Discovery House announced its Chopper of Hope fundraiser in late January and shared an exclusive update on the bike build with Castanet this week.
This initiative, presented by Bannister Ford Penticton, features a custom-built chopper, being hand-crafted from January to April, where one fortunate supporter will win this dream bike.
The fundraiser honors the memory of Jerome Abraham, the former executive director of Discovery House, who sadly passed away last year after battling cancer.
A 1971 Harley Davidson rigid frame Springer is being uniquely crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers, led by Darrell Richards at his motorcycle shop, Sinister Speed Co.
The bike is being constructed from the ground up, with meticulous attention given to the frame and finishing paintwork.
Richards attempted to secure a spot on Orange County Choppers in 2020, pledging to donate the profits from the completed bike back to the community when it would be raffled off.
Although he didn’t succeed, the aspiration to host another chopper fundraiser continued.
Board member Jimmy Slimz mentioned that he and Richards presented the idea to the board around six months ago. They successfully secured funding, purchased a frame, and commenced the bike-building process.
“An essential part of that goal was to involve the clients at Discovery House,” Slimz explained. “Every Wednesday night, we invite two clients to join us for about three hours to work on the bike.”
Richards noted that a key condition for using his workshop was ensuring client participation.
“Discovery House kindly allowed clients to come to the shop,” he said. “It’s been a valuable experience; it offers me insight into their daily lives.”
On Wednesday, Jason Schafer and Shannon Masuskapoe, both participating in recovery for over 80 days, joined Slimz and Richards.
Masuskapoe mentioned being “voluntold” to help, which he welcomed.
“It’s teaching me how to engage with the community rather than just take from it. I want to give back,” he said. “I aim to raise awareness about addiction and mental health, as there’s a stigma surrounding addiction.”
Schafer shared that he has a background with motorcycles.
“It brings back fond memories of childhood when I wasn’t getting into trouble,” he added. “It’s an enriching experience. It warms my heart to know I’m part of something meaningful.”
Slimz, who was a client at the house a decade ago, views this project as a way to give back and support those currently in the program.
As of mid-February, the team has invested countless hours into building the bike.
“We’re nearing the completion of the mock-up stage, meaning the bike is assembled as we envision it,” Slimz noted.
After that, the bike will be disassembled again for painting and additional customizations.
“Once that’s done, we’ll reassemble the bike with the clients for the final touches.”
The four participants expressed their pride in the progress achieved so far.
Richards described the bike as a “rolling piece of art symbolizing sobriety and new beginnings.”
The fundraiser is currently seeking businesses and individuals to become sponsors.
“We are still on the lookout for more sponsors,” Slimz said. “This requires comprehensive support from local businesses, residents, and, of course, our shared time to bring it all together. So, there’s been significant involvement from all sectors.”
“For Jimmy and me, especially as passionate riders, motorcycles mean more than just machines—they embody personality and life, and this one is already establishing its own identity.”
The chopper has temporarily been named Hope.
Once the bike is finalized, it will be revealed in a special ceremony to commence raffle ticket sales.
Raffle tickets will be available from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
During this period, the bike will feature in a community roadshow, appearing at local events like Peachfest and the beach cruise.
All proceeds will directly benefit Discovery House, which offers support for wellness, recovery, and improved quality of life for individuals facing addiction challenges.
The winner will be announced in November 2025.
For more details on sponsorship, contact community engagement coordinator Dennis Sweetnam at [email protected] or call 778-931-1464.
Photo: Casey Richardson
Photo: Contributed