Choppers, Hogs and Sweet Rides: Badeaux Fundraiser Helps Special Olympics

By Shelley D. Sheets, For the Southside Messenger

Saturday, June 25^th was like any other day at Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen, on the inside that is. Outside the restaurant, a wonderful event was occurring for the third time, The Bike and Car Show. Each year Jason and Brandi Badeaux look forward to hosting the event in conjunction with Joanne Catron, Special Olympics Area 15 Coordinator. During the event’s first two years, only motorcycles were displayed and judged. This year, not only were several motorcycles judged, but there was also a car/truck show where the best in show was recognized. Judges for this year’s show were Special Olympics participants Scott Catron, Tiffany Franklin and Evan Strauss. The winners of the events included John Vickery – 1^st place Harley Davidson Trike, and Dennis Wilkerson – 1^st place 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger.

Maybe bikes and cars don’t get everyone’s motors revved up. Do not worry, there were a number of other activities on site to entertain those that came out to support the Special Olympics. Wild Man Karaoke (Hopewell, Va) was cranking up the tunes throughout the day with Gary Easter in control of the songs and sounds.  Some enjoyed just listening to the music while others took full advantage of the spacious area that had been cleared to use as a dance floor. A silent auction was also held that included an antique lantern, collectable cards and other great pieces of memorabilia. All of the items that were auctioned off were donated by Chuck Squires. In addition to the silent auction, a 50/50 raffle was held. So, as you can see, there was something for everyone at the Third Annual Bike and Car Show at Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen.

Although there was a great turn out at the event, those that could not be there in person were there in spirit. The following is a list of individuals/businesses that mailed in donations to aid those competing in the Special Olympics.

James D. Ramsey

Keysville Auto Center

Dupee Funeral Home

Mark Webb State Farm

Jack Davis Insurance Agency, Inc.

Red Oak Excavating, Inc.

Town of Drakes Branch

Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen

All proceeds go directly to Area 15 Special Olympics. Mrs. Catron commented, “Everyone’s generosity has been so tremendous!” Brandi Badeaux shared that the softball team that Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen sponsored this year was onsite helping out with the event in any way they could. The special Olympians that were at the fund raiser compete in the following events: Scott Catron – swimming, soccer and basketball; Tiffany Franklin – soccer, basketball and track/field, and Evan Strauss – soccer, swimming, basketball and track/field.

As the event came to a close, Jason Badeaux was eager to share that Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen and Area 15 Special Olympics are already hard at work planning next year’s event. The Bike and Car Show – Special Olympics Fund Raiser will be held the last Saturday of June, 2017. As always, both parties involved are certain that the fund raiser will continue to grow and be better each year.

Good luck to all of those participating in the Special Olympics!

For more images of this event, go to http://www.southsidemessengerphotos.shutterfly.com.