About Us
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to the fight against substance use disorders.
Our Story
Nick Campagnola who lost his fight with addiction in December 2015 at 20 years of age. Nick’s struggle with addiction began as a teen, when a sports injury was treated with painkillers. This slowly grew into a heroin addiction. In his unfortunate relapse, an overdose on a mixture of fentanyl and synthetic acid led to Nick’s death.
Nick was a good kid with a big heart and a friend to all. He is missed by many and remembered through this organization and the work we do.
Our Work
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends bridges the gap from clinical to peer support through a grassroots approach that begins by first helping those battling addiction find the best treatment plan most suitable for them. We facilitate communication during the rehabilitation process between the individual, their family, and clinical/therapeutic staff. Our Clubhouse provides a soft landing after rehabilitation through general acts of kindness that include—but aren’t limited to—assisting with housing placement, employment assistance, linkage to transportation, and maintaining a safe haven & supportive environment. We also offer wrap-around support, case management, and are committed to working as a life coach to help those in recovery fully acclimate to becoming active members of the community. All of this is made possible through generous donations and volunteerism as we facilitate ongoing peer-based community engagement.
Our Approach
We take a boots-on-the ground approach to help the people who need us most, and we rely on your donations and spirit of generous volunteerism to remain operational and make an impact. Our goal is to provide programs that meet the needs of those struggling with addiction and make a difference by concentrating on recovery, wellness, and job searching.
Using a clubhouse model, we enable people battling addiction to feel comfortable while working on their journey to recovery, surrounded by peers and supporters. We are truly committed to helping people become acclimated members of the community again.
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Brian Schenck
Board President
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck currently serves as the chairman of the board for Nick’s Ride 4 Friends. He has worked closely with the organization since it’s founding and remains committed to helping those suffering from substance abuse disorders find a path to recovery. He brings nearly 27 years of law enforcement and administrative experience to the executive board of the organization and a passion to help those in our community that need us most.
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Matt Chalanick
Vice President
Matt is the owner of The Real Estate Company currently serves as vice chair of the board for Nick’s Ride 4 Friends Inc. He has been part of the organization since its inception and is its longest standing board member. Matt developed a special and close connection to the Organization’s Founder and his vision to create space for people in recovery, increase community awareness around the disease of addiction and to build community around a shared purpose. “Today, I continue to serve as Vice Chair, immensely proud of the organization’s remarkable journey, and enduring impact on the lives it touches.”
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Mary Beth Leeson
Treasurer
Mary Beth is a Certified Public Accountant who has worked in Auditing for 20 years, specializing in the non-profit and governmental sector. More recently Mary Beth has been the Director of Finance for Cayuga County, and now the Comptroller for the City of Auburn. Mary Beth received the NYS Senate Women of Distinction Award from Senator Pamela Helming in 2020.
Scholarships
Wrestling “UNDERDOG” Scholarship:
Honoring Nick Campagnola’s love of wrestling and unwavering support for the “underdog,” an annual $500 scholarship is awarded to two senior Auburn High School wrestlers to help further his or her education. The scholarships are awarded to wrestlers who have demonstrated leadership on and off the mat, participated in general acts of kindness, and are passionate about the sport.
2021 Recipients: Jack Bennink and Luca Pirozzolo
Wrestling Camp Scholarship:
We award a $1000 scholarship to help alleviate some costs associated with student and coach participation in the annual wrestling camp hosted by Champions for Life. The annual Champions for Life wrestling camp focuses on skills development and conditioning work.