Rolling Into Opening Day at Ponderosa Pines
If you’ve spent any time around Heber-Overgaard, you already know how this place works. People show up. When something matters, folks just step in and do what they can. That’s how it’s always been, and it’s not going anywhere.
That’s really where the Amigos Brotherhood Charities came from.
It wasn’t some big plan. It was just a few of us riding together, becoming friends, and realizing we could probably do a little more for the people around us. Over time, more people got involved. Not because we were trying to build something big, but because people here want to be part of something that helps.
At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple. We support veterans, kids, and this community.
Sometimes that’s working with groups like the Children's Organ Transplant Organization (COTA), the Heber-Overgaard Children's Christmas Party, and American Legion Post 30. And sometimes, we just help neighbors quietly when life throws them a curveball. Other times, it’s just stepping in when someone hits a rough patch and needs a hand. And sometimes it’s rallying a group of riders to go and cheer for 13 teams for Ponderosa Pines Little League Opening Day.
You had 176 kids out there getting their season started. Families everywhere. Volunteers running around making sure it all came together. It takes a lot to pull something like that off, and you could feel how much people care about it.
We helped get the riders together and rolled in as a group. Nothing fancy. Just showing up to support the kids and the people who put in the time to make that league happen.
The league also took a moment to honor Kelsey Hartman, who passed away on April 2. She was 38, from here in Heber, and worked with kids at the elementary school. The kind of caring person a lot of folks knew, and even if you didn’t, you knew someone who did.
Every player was given a bracelet in her memory with a simple message:
Be kind on purpose.
That hit home. It’s a reminder to look out for each other and not take the time we’ve got for granted.
Our thoughts are with her daughter, Hannah, her family, and her fiancé, Todd. A lot of people are feeling her loss. Her Celebration of Life will be on May 9 at 11:30 at the All Seasons Barn in Bison Ranch if you’d like to pay your respects.
It’s moments like that that remind you how our community shows up for each other.
And that’s really what this is about.
AS friends and neighbors, we’re backing the people who are doing good things and making sure they know they’re not doing it alone. It’s things like creating a little excitement and camaraderie in supporting veterans who’ve done their part, and helping kids and families when they need it.
A lot of that happens because of the Freedom Gathering. It’s our biggest fundraiser each year. Riders, local businesses, friends, families. Everyone shows up. It’s a good time, but more importantly, it helps us support community members in need.
We’re not a big organization. We’re just a few guys who live here, care about this place, and want to do our part.
That’s why we do it and invite you to join us as an amigo.
