Annual Newport News Car and Bike Show Promotes Community Safety Through Fundraising Initiative
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The vibrant atmosphere outside Todd Stadium this past weekend was not only filled with the dazzling sheen of chrome wheels and the powerful roar of revving engines, but it also served as a backdrop for a significant community initiative. The annual Newport News Car and Bike Show drew car enthusiasts and families alike, but its deeper purpose was centered on enhancing public safety and supporting families in crisis.
Hosted to benefit Project Lifesaver, the event brought together a diverse array of vehicles while promoting a lifesaving program that provides tracking bracelets to individuals with cognitive conditions such as dementia, autism, and other disorders that may lead to wandering or disorientation. Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This gives them the comfort to know that if their loved one wanders away, there’s a means to try to help track them and recover them.”
Each Project Lifesaver bracelet, valued at approximately 0, is offered at no cost to families in need, a testament to the community-driven fundraising efforts represented by events like the car and bike show. Morgan emphasized the increasing demand for such resources, noting, “We have more and more families that are caregivers for people with memory loss and autism. Project Lifesaver provides them peace of mind.” Currently, around 70 residents of Newport News are enrolled in the program, with deputies trained to locate individuals wearing the tracking bracelets in under 30 minutes.
The event not only drew car and motorcycle enthusiasts but also members of the broader community concerned about the welfare of vulnerable populations. Participants expressed their support not only through attendance but also by engaging in conversations about the essential services that Project Lifesaver provides.
Looking ahead, the Newport News Sheriff’s Office plans to hold another fundraiser in October during their annual bike ride, offering further opportunities for community involvement and support. Events like the Newport News Car and Bike Show serve not only as entertainment but also as critical platforms for raising awareness and funds for initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing the challenges of cognitive conditions.
As communities nationwide grapple with the needs of vulnerable populations, the proactive measures demonstrated by initiatives like Project Lifesaver stand as a beacon of hope, underscoring the profound impact of community solidarity and support.
