April 3, 2014 — Panama City Beach, FL — Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach will host the first annual “The Ride For The Ark” on Saturday, April 26, 2014, benefitting The Ark in Panama City Beach. From 9 to 11 AM, riders will come to Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach (14700 Panama City Beach Parkway) to register, and the hour-long, scenic ride will leave Harley at 11 AM. When riders return to Harley around 12 noon, they will be treated to a hamburger cookout and live concert by JAG*. This event is generously sponsored by two local businesses, A Superior Air Conditioning and Liz & Jane Marketplace.
The band JAG is comprised of Nashville Singer-Songwriter Jerry Arhelger and local Panama City Beach musician Bill Small. The Ride for The Ark will also feature a special performance by Southern Rock Legend Harley “Coconut” Lamoureux of Lynyrd Skynyrd fame. Often hailed as ‘The Premier Southern Rock Harp Player,’ Harley was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, playing in several different bands with the members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. He taught Danny Joe Brown, lead singer of Molly Hatchett, to play the harmonica, and has appeared with The Charlie Daniels Band as a guest harmonica player for over 25 years. An active session player in Nashville, his most recent recordings were with Jeff Bates, Stan Webb and Jimmy Van Zant. As a solo artist he opened for Bob Seger, Terry Gibbs, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheel, as well as Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes.
The ARK continues its mission of making God’s presence known on Panama City Beach. Its ministry has changed from 40 years of youth group hosting to three new exciting directives. First, its hostel style housing is providing clean, safe and interactive housing for J1 Visa Students travelling from all over the world to work at our local resorts and experience our local culture. Second, the ARK provides transitional housing to those it finds in need of a hand up while in a life transition. Lastly and most exciting is the new ARK Coffee House which will be open this summer, bringing a new kind of Coffee House experience to Panama City Beach.
The ARK receives all its income from the operation of its ministries, donations from churches and charitable individuals. All involved are very excited to see God move in wonderful ways as He opens doors and closes others in bringing the new mission of the ARK to life.
The Ride for The Ark costs $15 per bike; lunch costs $10. All proceeds benefit The Ark in Panama City Beach. For more information on The Ride For The Ark, please contact Marta Rose-Thorpe a Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach at (850) 334-0055. For more information on The ARK, please contact Director Misty Hicks at (334) 790-4654.
