The Awesome Possum was something very special to Samantha “Sam” Harvell. She created the Awesome Possum Club with her friend and Doug Shambley, imagining a possum wearing flip-flops and a pink bow. It reflected Sam’s fun-loving personality, imagination, and the joy she found in making others smile.

Over the years, you’ve seen the Awesome Possum appear throughout our events and materials as a reminder that Sam has always remained at the heart of Sam’s Wish Fund. Today, we’re honored to bring her original vision to life through the incredible artwork of Rickey Herring of Bullzeye Signs & Graphics Co., whose talent has transformed Sam’s idea into the official Awesome Possum.

If you’ve ever wondered why we auction and raffle stuffed possums during the Tricky Ricky Ride & Music Festival, now you know. They have always been a tribute to Sam and the Awesome Possum Club she created—a fun tradition that celebrates her life while helping raise money to grant wishes for children served by Kids Path of AuthoraCare.

Everyone who donates, volunteers, sponsors, attends an event, shares our mission, or participates in any way is a proud supporter of the Awesome Possum Club. Together, we continue the club that Sam imagined, carrying her spirit forward by making wishes possible for children and families.

The Awesome Possum is more than a mascot. It is a tribute to a remarkable young lady whose kindness, imagination, and desire to help others continue to inspire everything we do.