His passion lives on – Friends of Ryan Vitt rally to hold a car show to benefit troubled teens for years to come

  • By Jennifer Kneuss
  • July 30, 2011
  • 438
His passion lives on – Friends of Ryan Vitt rally to hold a car show to benefit troubled teens for years to come
His passion lives on – Friends of Ryan Vitt rally to hold a car show to benefit troubled teens for years to come
His passion lives on – Friends of Ryan Vitt rally to hold a car show to benefit troubled teens for years to come
                        
Summary: We all are creating a legacy every day for those we will leave behind, whether we realize it or not. Ryan Vitt left behind a legacy of caring for young people who found themselves in troubled times, and in his memory, his friends are continuing to follow in his footsteps. When Ryan Vitt was killed in an automobile wreck on September 20, 2010 at the age of 29, he left behind a legacy to his many friends and family. And now, in his memory, those same friends are joining together to hold the 1st Annual Ryan Vitt Memorial Car Show on August 14. “We are doing this to honor Ryan’s memory and also raise awareness and funding for local organizations who have programs helping at-risk youth,” explained Elisabeth Gray, one of Vitt’s friends and an organizer of the event. “Ryan loved kids, and he loved cars, and that prompted us to do something that not only honored his memory, but also benefits and continues his mentoring of at-risk kids.” Ryan’s big heart prompted Gray, Jared Royer, Christopher Zambie, Clinton Fender, Adam Colwell, Chris Lane, and others to put their heads together to take on the project. “There were numerous occasions where Ryan would invite a troubled teen over and would speak truth into their life and give them advice while washing their vehicle or just taking them for a cruise in his own car,” commented Zambie, who was not only one of Vitt’s closest friends but also shared a house with him and several other friends. Friends noted that Vitt had poured a lot of time and effort in helping to pull together the teen ministry area known as The Warehouse at NewPointe Community Church in Dover as well. As a big NASCAR and auto body/detailing enthusiast, it was only natural that his friends chose a car show venue as the ideal way to raise funds. This year, the group has chosen to give all proceeds from the car show to PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Mission in New Philadelphia, a ministry that helps older youth who are aging out of the foster care system or at-risk in other ways learn critical life and work skills in a loving, nurturing family environment. Although I never personally met Ryan, I've heard some amazing stories about him. I've heard from several individuals that Ryan had a heart and sensitivity for at-risk and troubled teens,” commented Jill Miller, director for PAL Mission.”What a tribute to honor Ryan's memory...a car show! It's the type of event he would have certainly approved and it's so fitting that teens and homeless young adults served by PAL Mission will reap the benefits of this memorial event.” “We hope to have at least 50 cars enter this year and to continue to grow in the years ahead,” said Gray. “This will be a judged car show, with the top ten and best of show, as well as a people’s choice. We will be having all kinds of prizes and awards, including trophies, photographs, and other awards we are still putting together.” The event will be held at Buehler’s in New Philadelphia, and registration is just $10.00. Cars can register from 8am until 11 am on the day of the show. The car show, which is free to the public to attend, will be open from 11 am until 5 pm, although awards will be presented at 4 pm. Gray pointed out that there will be plenty of activities for the whole family. “There will be affordable activities so that families can come. We will have music, entertainment, and there will be a cornhole tournament. We will have face painting for the kids, chair massages, blood drive, 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, door prizes, and of course, plenty of food!” “We are grateful for the support of many local businesses and organizations for their help. If anyone is unable to attend, but would like to be part of the event, please contact Jared Royer at 330-401-6594 or PAL Mission at 330-453-9199,”said Gray. “By giving of your time and money, you are changing the lives of at-risk youth, the face of our community, and in turn, changing our world.”


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