By Quinn O’Hara

Photo Courtesy of Betsy Liebau,

On Saturday, June 8, bikers, car enthusiasts, and community members gathered in Wakefield and other locations around Milford Lake for a Ride or Drive Benefit in the name of Patty Flickinger.

Flickinger, a longtime Wakefield resident and former Coach at the Wakefield School, was recently diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The funds raised from the benefit will assist in paying for her medical bills that aren’t covered by insurance.

The benefit had individuals meet at Scanoli’s in Wakefield that morning, then drive around Milford Lake with stops at Suzy-Q Neighborhood Grill, Milford Tropics, The Cove, and Legacy Outdoors of Wakefield. Participants ended the tour back at Scanoli’s for several auctions and a free-will donation dinner.

Diane Wendelken, one of the event’s organizers, estimated an attendance of nearly 300 individuals over the course of the day, 150 of which drove in the benefit. She said many people assisted with the organization of the event, donated items for the auction, helped with coordination of the event, and more.

In a Facebook post, Betsy Striggow-Liebau, another organizer, said the event, “was a true testimony of the love, generosity, and the family the Wakefield Community is,” and thanked all those who participated.