The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA) is bringing an early Christmas to nine Butler County non-profit organizations this month. The selected groups were awarded a total of $13,800 in financial gifts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. This is the eighth year that FBJA, owners and organizers of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival and Bantam TrailFest, have given back to the community.

“Our volunteers work extremely hard throughout the year and during our two annual events to make them a success,” said Todd Wagner, president. “We want to demonstrate to our volunteers and participants that we give back to the community just as they give to us.”

FBJA has given nearly $174,000 in gifts to a wide-variety of non-profit groups since 2016. In addition, $184,000 has been given to organizations who help to execute the annual Festival during that time. In total, FBJA has given away just over $358,000 to Butler County non-profit organizations since 2016.

The Association’s board of directors selected these organizations from the 204 applicants to receive a 2024 Financial Gift:

● CB Rangers

● CANDLE

● Hob Nob Theatre Company

● North Country Trail Alliance

● Sons of the American Legion Post 778

● Soroptimist International of Butler County

● The Andrew Effect

● Victim Outreach Intervention Center

● YWCA

The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association was formed in October 2015. It is comprised of more than 80 volunteers who work together to plan and execute the successful Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival which attracts nearly 2,500 registered Jeeps to Butler County each June to celebrate Butler’s notoriety as the birthplace of the Jeep. The 14th annual Festival will be held June 13-15, 2025. The 2025 Bantam TrailFest will be held October 10-12. Those who wish to get involved in the event can email Info@Bantam.org or call 724-256-4050.