Riders are pictured during the inaugural Go Topless and Ride the Lake Jeep Jam event held in July around Chautauqua Lake.

Proceeds from the inaugural Go Topless and Ride the Lake Jeep Jam event held earlier this year have been donated to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department and Lakewood-Busti Police Department K-9 Unit, as well as Randy’s Ride, which remembers Randy Ridgeway who passed away in 2022.

The ride was organized by Michelle Turner, along with Bonnie Ridgeway and Gregg Pietrocarlo.

“We have a long history of assisting community members in their desire to support the needs they see around them,” said Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director. “Michelle’s vision for how to utilize a fun event to raise money for first responders was a win-win.”

The event featured Jeeps and motorcycles cruising around Chautauqua Lake, concluding at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, with music, vendors, and food trucks. Like many other Jeep festivals across the country each summer, the Lakewood Jeep Jam brought visitors to the Chautauqua Lake region.

To make a contribution to the Jeep Jam Fund, visit crcf.me/jeepjam. To learn more about Jeep Jam, visit the event’s Facebook page or crcf.me/jeepjamfb. For more information on the funds held at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation donor services officer, at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org.