Doug Shambley is the founder of Sam’s Wish Fund and founder of the Tricky Ricky Ride & Music Festival.
A lifelong resident of Alamance County and local business owner, Doug has spent years giving back to the community through volunteer service, fundraising, and charitable efforts that benefit local children and families.
In 2006, following the loss of his brother, Ricky “Tricky Ricky” Shambley, Doug organized the first Tricky Ricky Ride to honor Ricky’s memory. Samantha “Sam” Harvell became the event’s first beneficiary, and through their friendship, Doug witnessed firsthand her courage, determination, and positive spirit.
Before her passing, Sam asked Doug to continue helping children facing medical adversity. He made her a promise that he would keep the mission going.
That promise, along with the support of many dedicated volunteers and community partners, helped lead to the creation of Sam’s Wish Fund in 2009.
Since then, Doug has worked alongside volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters to help make wishes possible for children served through Kids Path of AuthoraCare.
Today, his dedication continues to inspire a grassroots network of individuals who donate their time and talents to organize events and fundraisers that help create special opportunities and lasting memories for local children and families.
Doug Shambley
Allison H. Nichols
Allison Nichols is a lifelong resident of Orange County and has been involved with Sam’s Wish Fund since 2012.
After meeting Doug Shambley, Allison began volunteering her time to support the mission of helping make wishes come true for children served through Kids Path of AuthoraCare. What started as helping with a fundraiser quickly grew into a long-term commitment to the organization and the children and families it serves.
Over the years, Allison has hosted and assisted with fundraising events, coordinated community outreach efforts, secured sponsorships, recruited volunteers, and helped develop programs that support Sam’s Wish Fund throughout the year. She also focuses on social media outreach, marketing, graphic design, and promotional materials that help share the mission of Sam’s Wish Fund with the community.
Working alongside Doug and a dedicated network of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners, Allison has helped grow awareness of the fund and expand its reach throughout the community.
Today, she continues to work alongside Doug and fellow volunteers to help ensure that Sam’s Wish Fund remains a grassroots effort dedicated to making wishes possible and creating meaningful memories for local children facing medical adversity and loss.