Community Comes Together for Second Annual Jeep Jam and Ride with Randy Event
The second annual Jeep Jam and Ride for Randy event brought together community members, riders, and supporters on August 17, 2025, for a day of fun, remembrance, and giving back — all in support of local charitable causes.
Pictured (L-R), are Tory Irgang, Chief Matthew Bently, Bonnie Ridgeway, Michelle Turner, and Chief Kurt Hallberg
Hosted along the shores of Chautauqua Lake at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, the event united dozens of Jeep and motorcycle enthusiasts for a scenic cruise around the lake, followed by an afternoon celebration recognizing the power of community and generosity. More than just a day of fun, the event raised critical funds to help several area organizations.
Knowing that the Jeep Jam has been a national event, Turner sought to bring this to the Chautauqua region. “We know how enthusiastic the Jeep community is, and after talking with ‘Randy’s Ride’ organizer, Bonnie Ridgeway, we realized how impactful a combined event with Ride with Randy could become.”
Events like Jeep Jam and Ride with Randy demonstrate how community partnerships and creative fundraising can leave a lasting impact. Proceeds from the 2025 event will provide resources and support for vital services. This year, grants were awarded to the Randy Ridgeway Foundation Fund, the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department, and the Lakewood-Busti Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
Kurt Hallberg, Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department Cheif, noted the important role donated funds play in maintaining mandated equipment upgrades. “Donations like this one ensure our first responders continue to have the tools required to serve our region quickly and safely.”
Matthew Bentley, Lakewood-Busti Police Department Chief added how the K-9 unit will benefit from the funding. “Not only will we be able to provide our K-9 officer Jacob Swan and his new dog Kor with uniforms and a canine bullet-proof vest, but we’ll be able to cover the training necessary to get them certified later this year.”
Bonnie Ridgeway, Randy’s wife and advisor of the Randy Ridgeway Foundation Fund, shared “It was the dream of Randy and the intention of our Fund to help those seeking technical and mechanical trainings, such as those our first responders require.”
The organizers expressed gratitude to Dave Warren Auto Group & Power Sports, Harley Davidson of Jamestown, the Village of Lakewood, and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club for their generous sponsorship and partnership in making this year’s event possible. Their intentions are to make the Jeep Jam and Ride with Randy event an annual celebration and fundraiser.
Through the power of endowment, the Foundation connects donors to causes they care about most, ensuring that local generosity continues to make good grow for generations to come. For more information on how CRCF helps individuals and families create lasting philanthropic legacies, click here or contact Tina Downey, CFRE, at (716) 661-3390 or tdowney@crcfonline.org.
