Jeep Club raises funds for BrAva, breast initiative
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PARKERSBURG - The Ohio Valley Jeep Club has raised more than $3,400 to benefit two groups involved in causes for childhood and breast cancers.
The club and the Pizza Station on Third Street raised $2,260 for BrAva, the Marietta-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting local children and families affected by pediatric cancer, from the recent Light Up the Sky fundraiser on Sept. 18. On Sept. 22, the club raised $1,196 for the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative from its second annual All Girls Ride on Sept. 22 in Wirt County.
Both events were part of the club's OVJC Cares, the Jeep Club's community outreach initiative focused on supporting organizations, individuals and families in West Virginia and Ohio..
Through donations from the club and members, $1,500 was raised while The Pizza Station contributed another $760 from event sales at the second annual event. Together, the contributions will help BrAva provide support to families facing the challenges of pediatric cancer.
The event was held in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at the restaurant. Club Events Director Missy Plumly said the response demonstrates how much the cause means to the community.
"We are incredibly grateful for the way this event has been received by our members and the community," Plumly said. "Pediatric cancer touches so many lives, and when you see people come together to support these children and their families, it reminds you why we do what we do. Every donation represents someone who cares, someone who wants to help, and someone who wants these families to know they are not alone."
Club President Brad Hackney said the success of the fundraiser reflects the club's commitment to making a positive impact beyond its membership.
"Seeing our members come together for something this important is what OVJC Cares is all about," Hackney said. "We are proud of the generosity shown by our members and thankful to The Pizza Station for stepping up and contributing to this cause. The response to this event shows that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, we can make a real difference for families who are going through some of the hardest days of their lives."
The second annual All Girls Ride brought women together for a day of adventure and friendship and to honor breast cancer fighters, survivors and angels.
Through sales of T-shirts and stickers, the event raised $696 with 40% of sales designated to support breast cancer awareness, research and those fighting breast cancer. The Jeep Club added another $500 donation, bringing the total contribution to $1,196.
The All Girls Ride offered participants an opportunity to get behind the wheel, explore the scenic hills of Wirt County and build confidence navigating off-road terrain.
Event coordinator Ronda Bragg said the ride was about much more than Jeeps and trails.
"The All Girls Ride is about bringing women together, making memories and celebrating life while remembering the reason we ride," Bragg said. "We want to honor those who are fighting breast cancer, those who have survived it and those we have lost. Every person who has been touched by this disease has a story, and we wanted this event to be a way to show our support and remind them that they are not alone."
Bragg said the opportunity to introduce women to off-road driving while supporting an important cause made the event especially meaningful.
"It is wonderful to watch the ladies get out on the trails, learn what their Jeeps can do and gain confidence along the way," Bragg said. "We get to have fun, enjoy the beautiful hills of Wirt County and spend time together, all while raising money for something that affects so many families. Knowing that our efforts will help support breast health initiatives makes the day even more special."
Hackney said the event is another example of how the club uses its shared passion for Jeeps to make a difference in the communities it serves.
"OVJC Cares is about more than writing a check. It is about bringing our members together to support causes that matter and finding ways to make a real difference in people’s lives," Hackney said. "Our members have big hearts, and events like the All Girls Ride show what can happen when people come together for a common purpose. We are proud of Ronda and everyone who helped make this event a success, and we are honored to contribute to a cause that affects so many women and families throughout our communities."
The Ohio Valley Jeep Club is among the largest Jeep clubs with more than 9,200 members. The club's mission is to support communities through food bank donations, providing needed items for the homeless, organizations that support veterans and youth.