Strong show of support

Big success for local FFA and Roadrunner events

By KRIS REILLY, EDITOR

The people of Lucerne Valley and neighboring communities came out in force last Saturday to support local children.

The RAM it Forward FFA Fundraiser and the 17th Annual Roadrunner Biker Toy Run both had great turnouts, organizers said. The RAM it Forward event raised money for Lucerne Valley High School’s FFA program, while the Roadrunners’ event collected toys for their annual Christmas giveaway.

Lucerne Valley High School agriculture teacher Troy Van Bavel said RAM it Forward was wildly successful in its first year in town. Though the final tally was not available at press time on Monday, Van Bavel estimated that more than $5,000 was raised during the five-hour event.

“What means the most is not the money,” Van Bavel said. “We had the support of the community. To see the community come together again after some rough times, it was awesome.”

Over the past two years, the town has faced a bleak economic outlook for local schools — and an accompanying political debate about how to save the district. People on both sides of that debate contributed to Saturday’s festivities.

“It felt like the old days,” Van Bavel said.

Victorville Motors, RAM Trucks and Mitsubishi Cement Corporation combined to donate $15 to the local FFA program for every person who took a short test ride in a RAM pickup truck at Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware.

The event also featured a classic car show, a barbecue presented by the local Lions Club, a car wash and other attractions. Other contributors included the market, Butcher’s Block, General Feed Store, Midway, Boot Barn, the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Flying F Ranch.

The Biker Toy Run was held concurrently at Pioneer Park, drawing bikers from across the Victor Valley and from as far away as Westminster. Event organizer Jo Richards said 92 bikers signed in, each of them bringing at least one brand new toy and giving the organization a solid start for its Christmas giveaway for local children.

The event featured a barbecue and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Roadrunners worked together with the RAM it Forward FFA Fundraiser; Pioneer Park was used as a test drive site, and Victorville Motors collected toys to donate to the Roadrunners.

The community will continue to support its children with the Mitsubishi Educational Foundation’s Ride in the Rocks event this Saturday. See the What’s Happening briefs on Page 2 for details.

Kris Reilly can be reached at kreilly@vvdailypress.com or at (760) 985-8372.