Pony Tales Veteran’s Support Fund Bike Auction

For years I have heard about Willie, owner of Tropical Tattoo, playing Santa at Emory L. Bennett Memorial Nursing Home in Daytona using the the funds raised at his “Choppertime.” This is a state-run 120 bed facility for vets. It provides skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and short-term rehab for eligible veterans and their spouses. Many of these vets have no one to care for them or visit them. Mike Erthal and the crew from Veteran’s Support Fund raise money all year long to provide things that the veterans need or the facility is lacking. At Choppertime volunteers tend the bars all day, all tips and sales proceeds go to the fund. This event really boosts the kitty and helps cover the cost of every veteran getting what they want for Christmas. Gun raffles by Mike Jones, owner of A-OK Guns in New Smyrna Beach, at major events is another fundraiser. On April 18 Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach have a Beach Bike Bar Crawl (this is bicycles not motorcycles) that have 400-500 bikes all for the veterans! Autographed guitar auctions during Bike Week and Biketoberfest at Broken Spoke Saloon and Iron Horse are another way they raise a bundle for the cause. During Bike Week 2026, a donated 1980 H-D XLS 1000 Ironhead Roadster will be auctioned live at The Broken Spoke during a Hairball Concert on Friday night 3/6. The winning bidder for this bike will also receive a signed Hairball guitar. What a great package! All this money matters!!! So put your angel wings on and show up to bid on the bike or guitars, buy a couple rounds at Choppertime and be generous. Our vets gave years of their lives for us; it is the least we can do!