Committee votes unanimously to authorize $8,000 for Raw Ride fundraiser to support sober living

A local community committee voted unanimously to authorize an $8,000 contribution to the Raw Ride motorcycle fundraiser to support sober‑living services.

The motion, made during the committee meeting and seconded by another member, directs local funds to be routed to the Cape Cod Foundation and to programs that provide sober‑living placements through the Heron Foundation, members said. The chair described prior years’ donations and told members that, according to presenters, at least eight people had received support funded by previous rides.

Committee members debated the size of the donation and noted the town’s current fund balance. One committee member urged increasing the allocation because, the member said, the support “goes directly to the people that have been affected by the opioid [crisis]” and helps reduce stigma by supporting voluntary sober‑living placements. That member noted a typical sober‑living placement can cost about $1,000 a month for a resident who lacks family support.

After discussion a member moved to authorize $8,000 for the Raw Ride’s sober‑living program; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The chair called the vote and said the motion passed without dissent.

The committee did not attach new program conditions to the donation at the meeting; members said they will continue routine oversight through existing town procedures and will confirm allocation details with the finance director before funds are disbursed. The meeting record shows the committee expects additional settlement money to be released over time (the chair referenced an anticipated total of $213,000 from a settlement distributed over 16 years) but did not set a new budget policy at this session.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the meeting adjourned later that evening.