The images are familiar in Butler County. Miles of vehicles lined up to attend one of the nation’s largest Jeep-only events each June. But this time the vehicles aren’t waiting to fill a summer weekend with fun. Instead they are waiting to fill their trunk with food.
The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA), the non-profit owners and organizers of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, is providing money and volunteers to help feed Butler County families. The group of Jeep enthusiasts who attract thousands of Jeeps from more than 30 states each year gave $2,500 to provide food for Butler County families in need. They also are providing more than 40 volunteers who will load food into car trunks.
“We know there are many people in Butler County who are unable to put food on their table, and our local food banks are struggling to meet the demand,” said Todd Wagner, president of the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association. “Our organization relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers to execute the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival each year. This donation of our money and time is one more way we can give back to thousands of families in Butler County when they need us most.”
The food distribution event is the second one held in Butler this month by the Alliance for Non-Profit Resources, Community Partnership and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Organizers say that 1,500 vehicles will receive two boxes of dry goods, produce, bread and milk as a result of the FBJA partnership and additional financial donations from several groups and individuals.
“The need we are seeing right now is unprecedented, and donations are needed so we can continue to help families put food on the table,” said Sandra Curry, community partnership manager of the Alliance for Non-Profit Resources. “We are grateful to the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association for not only providing funding to purchase milk but for providing nearly all of the volunteers we need to execute this crucial distribution event.”
The food distribution event will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until 1,500 trunks are loaded. Drivers and passengers must enter using the Fairground’s South entrance and must remain in their vehicle at all times and follow other outlined procedures.
“This financial gift is just one of many that our organization gives to Butler County non-profit groups each year,” said Wayne Kovac, FBJA treasurer. “We typically award our gifts each fall after the Festival takes place, but the need for help is happening right now. The Jeep community is one that gives back to others, and we are proud to step up and do our part for Butler County.”