Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Ride
Beginning in 2015, EAJ began a campaign to help raise awareness and support for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) through our support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Commonly referred to as our "CF Ride", EAJ hosted our flagship event: the first annual "EAJ Gives Back - Wheelin' For a Cause" at Interlake SRA, located just outside of Lynnville Indiana. We set an internal goal of $5,000 for the event; however, through the help of numerous volunteers, sponsors, and vendors, we were able to set an attendance milestone of 350-400 people and raise a grand total of $17,000 that we presented to the CFF at their "Great Strides" walk. Because several EAJ families are impacted by this genetic disorder, we are proud to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. |
Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights - Easter Seals Benefit
A tradition started when the club was in its infancy, EAJ has chosen to host our annual Christmas party in conjunction with the Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights in order to help raise support and awareness for Easter Seals - Southwestern Indiana. This event is a club favorite and features a Jeep decorating contest followed by a convoy through the light display at Garvin Park. EAJ looks forward to volunteering at upcoming Fantasy of Lights events, and putting our decorated Jeeps on display for the public on this special night.
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Toys For Tots - Wheelin' For Children
An annual tradition for the tri-state area established long before EAJ, this event is held the first Saturday in November each year to raise donations for Toys For Tots. EAJ is proud to help volunteer and make this event a huge success. Hosted at Interlake S.R.A. just outside of Lynnville, IN, participants bring a toy to donate as admission to the event. The 2015 event marks the 10th annual event and the first year that EAJ is assisting with the event. We look forward to adding food booths, vendors, raffles, a kids area, and more!
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Search, Rescue, & Recovery
Since it's inception, EAJ members have always gone above and beyond to go out of their way to help another member. Whether it be a member stuck at a nearby off-road park, stopping to assist a stranded motorist on the side of the road, or helping fellow Jeeper with repairs to their rig; there's always a helping hand available. This willingness to help was taken to the next level in August of 2015 when several members of the group volunteered to join a search party for a missing Gibson County man. Members searched throughout the evening, all night, and the next morning to help locate the missing man. You can find out more information on our Search, Rescue, & Recovery abilities by visiting our EAJ Crisis Response Team page.
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Operation Snowflake
Several members of EAJ volunteered for Operation Snowflake throughout the winter of 2014/2015. Operation Snowflake is a partnership with local hospitals to get employees, nurses, and staff to the hospitals and back home in the event of inclement winter weather. Our highly modified off-road capable rigs allow us to travel on wintry roads much easier than the typical passenger car. While out and about in the winter weather, we also offer aid to stranded drivers. This is 100% volunteer work and provided as a service to our community. Volunteers agreed to be on call 24 hours a day, and took action as soon as calls came in. We look forward to serving the community with Operation Snowflake each winter.
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Community Benefit Poker Runs
EAJ has participated in numerous poker runs for various causes throughout Evansville and the greater Tri-State area. These events offer a family-friendly atmosphere that all club members can participate in, regardless of their vehicle's off-road capability. It's always fun watching the faces (and cameras appear) as a long line of Jeeps rolls into a check-point location. From Diabetes Research to F.O.P. and individual benefits, we've supported and attended poker runs for all types of causes.
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Community Benefit Car Shows
EAJ loves to participate in benefit car shows in and around the Evansville area. Members enjoy shining up their beloved Jeeps and bringing them out in support of great causes. We always make a grand entrance when arriving at a car show with a long string of jeeps tightly packed in a single file line. It's our little secret how we always make that happen, but rest assured... we'll continue to drop the jaws of everyone else in attendance as we roll up. EAJ always likes to bring home the "Club Participation" trophy, even if our Jeeps may not stand up against the classic cars and hot rods of the area. And hey, sometimes our Jeeps do crazy things at car shows (as pictured)!
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"Gives Back" Benefit Events
EAJ has hosted several "Gives Back" events for various benefit events or charities. Partnering up with local business establishments like Azzip Pizza and Coldstone Creameries, EAJ has been able to raise support by chowing down! This is a great way for people in the community to interact with our club as we invite everyone we know to help out with these events.
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Operation "Green Bean" - SammyStrong Surprise Ride
When our esteemed Jeeple Sam Bean was unable to attend the #SammyStrong benefit car show in his honor, EAJ organized a secret event dubbed "Operation Green Bean". Keeping with our "no man left behind" spirit, we took the car show to Sam! Early on the 4th of July, we organized a group of 60+ Jeeps and surprised Sam at his house. There wasn't a dry eye in the group as Sam made his way around the yard to check out the jeeps and then took us out to the barn to show us his beloved Jeep. Visit our SAMMYSTRONG page for more info.
Indiana DNR - Trails Advisory Board
Several members of EAJ volunteered to attend the Indiana DNR Trails Advisory Board (TAB) meeting in the spring of 2015. The event was hosted on a week day at Interlake S.R.A. EAJ volunteers took the TAB board members on a 2hr tour of the off-road park showcasing a good portion of the Interlake property. The voluntary Board is composed of 15 citizens from around the state who are concerned with various aspects of trail use and serves to envision, plan, and implement matters related to the development and proper use of multi-purpose trails in Indiana.
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