The second annual Dylan’s Drivers fundraiser, Rides for a Reason, will take place today at the Love Civic Center.
Photo from the 2012 Rides for a Reason, which drew a large crowd to the Love Civic Center. Here, some firefighters have some fun with a remote controlled firetruck. (Photo by Josh Allen, eParisExtra)
This year, the all-day event will be even better than last, although the first annual Rides for a Reason brought the organization much success and awareness.
“The event will include a hamburger cook-off, 5K run, antique car show, a softball tournament, bounce houses for children and a memorial motorcycle ride,” Dylan’s father, Ronnie Ballard said.
The full schedule of events for this year’s Rides for a Reason include:
- 8 a.m.: Running for a Reason: 5K fun run/walk and Rounding Bases for a Reason: softball tournament (may start Friday depending on number of teams entered)
- 10 a.m.: Rumble for a Reason: collector/classic car show and a silent auction
- 11 a.m.: Ride for a Reason: memorial motorcycle ride
- 12 p.m.: Cooking for a Reason: hamburger cook-off and tailgate party
There will also be beer goggles golf cart obstacle courses, face painting, bounce houses and many more activities going on throughout the day, according to event organizers.
The non-profit organization was created to honor Dylan Ballard, the son of Paris locals Ronnie and Vickie Ballard. In a tragic accident in 2011, their young son was killed in an alcohol related car accident.
Rides for a Reason 2012 drew media attention of all kinds, here event coordinators interview on camera. (Photo by Josh Allen, eParisExtra)
The memorial bike ride for Dylan is said to be amongst the most moving moments of the event.
Father and Co-founder Ronnie Ballard said that the message is to keep the roads of Lamar County safe. If you need a ride, call us and we will pick you up, he said.
However, it is not Dylan’s Drivers mission to take individuals ‘bar-hopping’, or to a party or to get food.
The mission is simple: get people home safely or to another specified safe place.
Dylan’s Drivers has approximately 250 volunteers, Ballard said.
The organization has benefited almost 2,500 people by giving them safe rides home in just the short two years that they have been established; however, they need continual support and by coming out and enjoying the fun annual event and festivities of Rides for a Reason, you could do just that.
Dylan’s Drivers has approximately 250 volunteers, Ballard said.
For more information about Dylan’s Drivers for a Reason or sign up as a volunteer, please contact the office at 903.905.4959.
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Rides for a Reason 2012 (Photo by Jeff Parish, eParisExtra)
Rides for a Reason 2012 (Photo by Jeff Parish, eParisExtra)
Rides for a Reason 2012 (Photo by Josh Allen, eParisExtra)
By Josh Allen, eParisExtra