Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Road to Recovery concert benefits injured chainsaw artist
Before his injury, Todd Gladfeller created wood carvings for Sanctuary’s new amphitheater
Spend the day outdoors enjoying a mix of music on Saturday, May 28, when Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Albany Township and community friends host Road to Recovery, a concert fundraiser to benefit Todd Gladfelter.
Eight musical acts will perform from noon to 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary’s Amphitheater, and the entrance fee is a donation to support chainsaw carver Todd Gladfelter and his ongoing recovery from partial paralysis. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camp chair or blanket, and food will be available for to purchase from Vince’s Cheesesteak’s food truck along with ice cream from the local dairy The Nesting Box.
Performances will include Keith Brintzenhoff, Crow Hill, Luke Hertzog, Texas Rose Band, Big Valley Bluegrass, The Youngers, Dave Kline & The Mountain Folk Band, a presentation by Todd’s son Bryce Gladfelter, a song by the spring class of Hawk Mountain trainees, the singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and a finale jam featuring Todd, Dave Kline, and other musicians.
Before his fall from a roof in November 2021, Todd Gladfelter was commissioned in late 2019 to create works of art for Hawk Mountain’s new outdoor amphitheater. Using a chainsaw carving technique, Todd crafted multiple replicas of 32 species of native Appalachian wildlife, and the resulting work makes the new and accessible Amphitheater a destination in and of itself.
Dave Kline, a Berks County singer-songwriter, community advocate, and friend of Todd and his wife Cindy Ross, coordinated the musicians for the day and is passionate about the event.
“Todd’s tragic fall left him with a spinal cord injury and debilitating paralysis in several zones of his body, but he has been bravely pushing back against these deficits and continues to make steady recovery and advances. This fundraiser will help Todd and his family pay for medical bills, therapies, and adaptive services,” Kline said.
Hawk Mountain staff agree.
“Todd Gladfelter’s work made the Sanctuary’s Amphitheater an iconic space for all. This is a chance for the community to join together in support of Todd and his family,” said Sanctuary President Sean Grace.
“It will be a day filled with music, camaraderie, and goodwill, enjoying music in the outdoors and celebrating and supporting Todd.”
Prior to his devastating injury, the Schuylkill-County based artist Todd Gladfelter has celebrated multiple accolades in the carving world, including multiple championships at the Mid-Atlantic National Chainsaw Competition. He also actively helped run the River House Veteran’s group outings, has cycled, backpacked, and paddled worldwide, and also demonstrated his skills hammering steel in his blacksmith forge. His work building his log home was detailed in his wife’s book, Log Cabin Years: How One Couple Built a Home from Scratch and Created a Life.
Visitors can donate by cash, check, or credit card, or by making an anonymous gift using a passed bluebird box. Those unable to attend may mail a check made out to Cindy Ross at 85 Red Mountain Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960. For more information on the event, click here or give us a call at 610-756-6961.