SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – Tragedy can tear people apart – and even throw them into a deep abyss. And then, there’s the people from Hearts and Harleys, who have channeled grief into a powerful mission of hope and healing.
Nearly ten years ago, now Barnegat resident John Pabst received unfathomable news. His seven-year-old son Gavin Pabst and the child’s mother, Michelle Heist, were dead. Even more inconceivable – the two were murdered.
John and Michelle were in the middle of a divorce when the devastating events unfolded on November 12, 2014. Michelle’s boyfriend at the time had viciously attacked the mother and son. He then attempted to cover up the horrendous crime by setting their residence on fire.
It was a clear act of domestic violence.
And, while nothing can bring back John’s little boy or his loving mom, the overwhelming loss spurred him into action. The grieving father is on a mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and establish a safe haven for victims in Southern Ocean County.
But how? Enter a red Harley Davidson, a talented crew of supporters, and a whole lot of heart.
Heroes Assemble
In the summer of 2014, John and a group of friends organized a motorcycle poker run to raise money for a family friend’s medical bills. Debbie Sanford had cancer, and both Gavin and Michelle were still alive.
“Gavin was really bonded with his Miss Debbie,” shared John. “He was so happy to be a part of everything and help someone he loved.”
After the devastating loss of Gavin and Michelle, John, along with friends, embarked on a new mission. Inspired by the outpouring of support during Debbie’s fundraiser, they created an annual memorial poker run in their honor. Debbie, who has since passed away, played a key role in coming up with the name Hearts and Harleys.
The group evolved into a non-profit designed to raise funds for a cause. Its logo features ribboned hearts with a touching blend of red, Gavin’s favorite color, and purple, Michelle’s special one. The ribbons encapsulate the organization’s mascot – Captain Cow was designed to commemorate Gavin’s favorite superhero and Michelle’s nickname, Moo-Moo.
Gavin, who John lovingly referred to as “Bubbas,” idolized Captain America as someone who rose to be a superhero and do good. John believes his son was destined to be the same kind of person, now together with his mom in eternity.
A few years ago, Hearts and Harleys entered the Orange County Choppers’ Dream Chopper Contest, hoping their story would result in the build of the “Captain Cow Chopper.” They made it to the top 16 out of 70,000 entrants. However, John’s connection to another superhero and yet another sad story is now making Captain Cow Chopper a reality.
John’s late friend and former colleague, Tony LaFera, was integral to Hearts and Harleys. LaFera was also the best friend of Jon Miller of Tuckerton’s Jon Miller Car Care Center.
At 37, after a lifetime of bad luck, LaFera made a courageous decision to return to school and pursue a career as a registered nurse. He successfully landed a position at a local hospital during the pandemic. Despite all precautions, LaFera contracted the virus and tragically passed away from it in January 2021. As much as LaFera’s death continues to pain Miller, he couldn’t be prouder of the man he had known since the fourth grade.
“Tony was a guy who rose to the top and found a way to fall on his sword for us,” said Miller. “He went to work when everyone else was staying home. He died an absolute hero.”
Anyone who knows Jon Miller knows he’s a creative genius when it comes to designing the perfect vehicle. One of his most extraordinary feats was the transformation of a regular old DeLorean into a time machine.
Yes, like the one seen in the box office hit “Back to the Future.” Miller’s car hit the national spotlight when it was used to promote the iconic movie for its current Broadway run.
Miller’s decision to take on the build of the Captain Cow Chopper made perfect sense. He summed it up in just a few words.
“Because I can, and Tony can’t,” said Miller. “This was Tony’s vision. For a long time, Tony told me there was a great man I needed to meet (John Pabst.) He said we represented a lot of the same things.”
“Everything Tony tried to do he failed at except saving lives,” Miller continued. “He was a real hero and the one thing he was really passionate about was Hearts and Harleys.”
Miller said he suffers a little bit of guilt because he didn’t connect with John and get involved sooner. The two share a unique connection – John lost his son, and Miller almost lost his to a rare disease.
Captain Cow Chopper To Debut
Just like finding the perfect DeLorean to transform into a time machine required patience, locating the right bike was no easy feat. The style was critical, as was the color – it was important to find something that could accommodate the logo and not cost thousands of dollars to change. And there was finding a gifted artist that could make the transformation.
Miller said he first learned of Jeffrey Martinez when he read a Southern Ocean Times feature article about him. Martinez, who has received international recognition as an airbrush artist, instantly agreed to take on the project.
The concept brings together an illustrious picture centered on what it would look like if Captain Cow rode a chopper. Innovation is also key – with a heart-shaped cake pan even finding a place in the final design.
“The artwork on the motorcycle will be extensive and intimate,” shared Miller. There will be an airbrushed portrait of both Gavin and Michelle, a tribute to Tony, and an artistic interpretation of Hearts and Harleys logos and theme.”
The chopper is more than just a machine – it’s also a rolling tribute to Gavin and Michelle and a symbol of hope for other victims of domestic violence.
A network of people has come together to make Captain Cow Chopper a reality. Among them is another of Miller’s lifetime friends, Dennis Deevy of New Jersey Multimedia. Deevy has devoted his time and talents to promoting both the poker run and construction of the Captain Cow Chopper. Anthony Moresco of TonyMexx Custom Painting prepped and painted the bike, giving Captain Cow Chopper a gleaming red base.
Multiple vendors have also discounted parts or labor to keep the costs down for the construction of the symbolic bike.
Unfortunately, Pabst will have to wait until the grand unveiling to see it as Miller is keeping it under the veil until then. It occurs at the end of the poker run at the Watering Hole Café in Mays Landing.
Miller estimates the final cost for the transformation of Captain Cow Chopper will be in the range of $10,000. Hearts & Harleys has launched a GoFundMe campaign to bridge the gap, assuring all donations meant for domestic violence victims will continue to support their mission. Any funds raised beyond the goal will go directly toward Hearts & Harleys’ charitable efforts.
Hearts And Harleys 2024 Poker Run
All are invited to the Hearts and Harleys 2024 Poker Run on July 27 with a rain date of August 3. While the roar of motorcycles is certainly expected, participants on bikes, trikes, jeeps, hot rods, and cars are all welcome to join in.
The excitement kicks off at Nancy’s Country Kitchen, located at 910 West White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City, where sign-ups begin at 10:30 a.m. For just $30, participants can enter for a chance to win big with the best poker hand at the final stop.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting John at 609-204-6382 or emailing john.pabst@heartsandharleys.org. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ride for a cause and make a difference.
