A Beacon of Hope- ROAR
Jamie and Karen Pina turned their family’s journey with recovery into a powerful annual event that changes lives across Cape Cod. For seven years, their vision and hard work have made ROAR a beacon of hope for those impacted by opioid addiction.
Every year, our team eagerly anticipates this incredible event on Cape Cod, which was organized by Jamie and Karen Pina and their dedicated team. The ROAR – Ride for Opioid Addiction Recovery is a 50-mile motorcycle journey from Falmouth to Hyannis, starting at Falmouth High School and culminating at the Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Harwich.
Now in its seventh year, ROAR’s mission is clear and powerful: to help rebuild lives by raising funds that support opioid addiction recovery and transition services for individuals on Cape Cod. Herren Project is deeply honored to be a proud recipient of the funds raised through this event, which make a tangible difference in people’s recovery journeys.
This year’s event was particularly meaningful, as our founder, Chris Herren, had the opportunity to share his story and express gratitude to the Falmouth community—a place that embraced him at the start of his own recovery journey 16 years ago. For Chris, it was a full-circle moment, a testament to the resilience of individuals and communities alike. The origins of this impactful event make it even more powerful: it was inspired by Jamie Pina’s son, Jamie Jr., who, after receiving a Herren Project Recovery Scholarship in 2017, now celebrates seven years in long-term recovery.
The sight of over 200 motorcycles cruising through 50 miles of Cape Cod’s scenic towns is unforgettable, but it’s the sense of unity and hope that truly defines this event. ROAR isn’t just a ride; it’s a demonstration of the power of collective action and community support.
Thanks to ROAR, 55 individuals have received recovery housing and coaching scholarships to take their first steps toward a new life.
On October 25th, Jamie and Karen awarded a remarkable $25,000 to Herren Project, helping another 10-12 individuals on their path to recovery. This year’s donation brings the seven-year total to over $135,000. We are profoundly grateful to Jamie and Karen Pina, as well as their entire team, for their commitment, hard work, and dedication to supporting recovery on Cape Cod. Together, we are stronger.