MARIETTA, OHIO — Pioneer Antique Auto Club (PAAC) of the Mid-Ohio Valley, with the support of the local Wendy’s franchise, recently made a $3,000 donation to the Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) Foundation to support the Wendy’s Adoption Scholarship.
PAAC, working in conjunction with Wendy’s franchise owners Ray and Kim Blackburn, raised the funds during their monthly car show held from June through October at the Gihon Village Shopping Plaza, located in South Parkersburg, W.Va. The Wendy’s staff at that location contributed their time and facility to assist the club with the fundraising events.
“To have a family activity where everybody can come and have fun, look at cars, and talk to friends. To turn that into funds that can further someone’s education, well, that’s what it’s all about,” said PACC President Roy Meredith. PAAC has contributed to the scholarship for several years. In total, they have given more than $12,500 to the fund. “We’ve enjoyed working with Ray. It’s a good venue. The people have been good to support us. If they weren’t there, we couldn’t do this event,” Meredith added.
“We have been working with Pioneer Antique Auto Club since 1997. They have been a great partner and we appreciate their hard work that goes into raising these funds,” said Ray Blackburn. “This contribution to the Washington State College of Ohio Wendy’s Scholarship fund will allow a young adult that has been through the foster care system or adopted, the ability to achieve a dream that might not have been available to them otherwise.”
The Wendy’s Adoption Scholarship fund was established by the Blackburns in 2013. The couple was inspired by their own experiences as foster parents to act as advocates for adoption and support the cause through fundraising for the Dave Thomas Adoption Fund and the creation of the WSCO Wendy’s Adoption Scholarship. To date, the scholarship has awarded 27 students a total of $36,000.
Photo Identification:
Front row from left to right: PAAC member Greg Lemley, WSCO President Dr. Vicky Wood, PAAC President Roy Meredith, Wendy’s employee Pattie Teeters, local Wendy’s franchise owner Ray Blackburn, PAAC Member Carl Tucker. Back row PAAC member Joe Rabbenee.
