Frogs for Freedom changes leadership, hits new fundraising recordline
A group of bikers ride out for the start of the 11th Annual Frogs for Freedom, which this year raised a record of $64,000. BULLETIN PHOTO/Chuck McCollough
Fred “Doc” Cox (center) poses with attendees at the 11th Annual Frogs for Freedom Event after being honored at the event. It was Cox’s last year as the event’s main organizer. BULLETIN PHOTO/Chuck McCollough
After more than a decade of running the popular Frogs for Freedom fundraising event, organizer Fred “Doc” Cox is going another direction.
“I am stepping down now and the event will be run by the Frogmen Motorcycle Club of Texas. I will work with them for two years and then become just an adviser,” said Cox.
Last Saturday’s 11th Annual Frogs for Freedom Hill Country carried on the tradition of raising money for widows and children of fallen SEAL team members and SWCC Warriors (Special Warfare Combat Crewman) killed in action or training.
Proceeds from the benefit also go to current and retired members in need.
“We raised $64,000 on Saturday, and that is the highest since we had the event,” he said. ``By comparison we raised $38,000 during the Covid in 2020.”
At last Saturday’s event, bikers gathered at 11th Street Cowboy Bar left for a ride at 10 a.m., returning for BBQ, live music and dancing.
For those not familiar with the lingo, The “Frogs” referenced in the event’s name refer to the old Frogman nickname for the Navy’s special underwater war group.
According to Cox, the idea for the event came about when a group of fellow veterans was looking for a benefit to sponsor.
“One of our guys said he had been to a motorcycle event recently, and it was fun. I said the Hill COuntry in Texas is perfect for motorcycle riding, and that is how it started,” he said.
Cox, who served as a SWCC Warrior in Vietnam, said Frogs for Freedom has raised nearly $400,000 since its inception 11 years ago.