Coordinated by family and friends, the second annual Cody Wentz Walk / Bike Ride Benefit will take place on Saturday, August 25 in Weissport. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Canal. Other festivities will follow in Weissport Park.

Entertainment will be provided the band Rehab. Other festivities include a Chinese Auction; bake sale; 50 / 50 raffle; juggling acts; dunk tank; bounce and play; Nails by Theresa DaCosta; food and drink; and "much more."This event is designed to bring community awareness to the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. It is held in memory of Cody Wentz, who died from a drug overdose on November 29, 2010. He was 19 years old."It does not matter what type of family you have," said Lisa Shiffert, Wentz's mother. "It can happen to anyone."Lehighton Area High School Principal and Coordinator of Curriculum and Grant Writing Tim Tkach added, "Drug and alcohol abuse is not a school issue. It's a community issue and we are helping to address it."All proceeds from Saturday's event will benefit Lehighton Area Drug and Alcohol Task Force to help fund programs that educate our youth and community.Last year, this event netted a $4,000 profit. It helped to fund the local presentations by former NBA player Chris Herren this past spring. Herren's battles with substance abuse are the subject of ESPN's Emmy-nominated documentary "Unguarded." The film covers his rise, fall, and redemption both on and off the court."If I can help to save one other family from going through this, I'm here," said Shiffert.For more information about the second annual Cody Wentz Walk / Bike Ride Benefit, visit

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