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Dylan’s Drivers has a lot going on during its fund raiser next month — and it’s all for a reason.
“Rides for a Reason” is set for Sept. 22 at Love Civic Center.
“It’s another way for us to spread consciousness of our organization and the need that the organization fulfills,” said Matt Allen, a member of the executive board. “It’s all staying with the theme of having a reason.”
Things kick off at 8 a.m. with Running for a Reason, a 5K fun run and walk on Trail de Paris. Registration deadline is Sept. 15 for the various age groups: 12 and under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and over 60.
There’s also the Rounding Bases for a Reason softball tournament. It’s a double elimination tournament with only 15 teams allowed. The cost to register is $175 per team, and each team can bat up to 12 hitters. Only 5 home runs are allowed per game unless a team decides to purchase three extra home runs for $5 before the game starts. If both teams agree, $20 can get you unlimited home runs. The tournament will start Friday evening or Saturday morning, depending on the number of teams.
“Judging from the way it’s looking, it’ll probably be a massive undertaking,” Allen said. “It’ll probably start Friday evening.”
That’s followed at 10 a.m. by Rumble for a Reason, a collector, classic and muscle car show. There’s no entry fee. Visitors to the show will purchase vote tickets for $1 each and place tickets in the ballot box next to each car.
A memorial motorcycle ride — Ride for a Reason — is set for 11 a.m.
Be sure to hang around for lunch, because at noon there’s the Cooking for a Reason hamburger cookoff and tailgate party. It’s a team event with $100 to enter plus 35 burgers. Each team will provide five hamburgers for judging, then at least 30 more to be sold to the public.
Throughout the day, there will also be a golf cart obstacle course where drivers put on “beer goggles” to simulate driving drunk. There will also be live music all day, face painting and opportunities for training for those who want to volunteer with Dylan’s Drivers.
Looking for other ways to help? There’s always Chili’s. All you have to do is eat.
“Once a month if you bring in a flyer, they donate part of their proceeds to our organization for every plate they sell that day,” Allen said.
Dylan’s Drivers is a driving program and organization that offers free, confidential and non-judgmental rides to those consuming alcoholic beverages and plan to drive — offering a sober driver when one’s needed but not around. They hope to help limit the amount of car accidents and lives that are lost due to driving impaired or under the influence of alcohol. Dylan’s Drivers was started by Paris locals, Ronnie and Vicki Ballard following the tragic loss of their son, Dylan Ballard, in an alcohol-related automobile accident.
For more information on Dylan’s Drivers or events, be sure to check out the new website at www.dylansdrivers.org. It contains a history of the organization and a running total of the number of rides given.
Jeff Parish Jeff Parish is a high school English teacher and journalist. He has worked for the Greenville Herald-Banner, Dallas Morning News, The Paris News and Galveston County Daily News, among others. For comments, feedback or suggestions, you can email him at jeff@eparistexas.com.
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