By: Jenna Frisby
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jenna@thevillagereporter.com
The Kaleb McLaughlin annual Ride to Remember held their event this past weekend in Pioneer. The event held a variety of events and activities to get the community involved and aid in organ donation awareness.
Events held were a bike ride—organized by Nozzleman Ohio Chapter 1, a blood drive with the American Red Cross, a silent auction, a duck race in which the 1st duck won $1,000, 2nd $500, and 3rd $250.
There were also free bounce houses for the kids, a free bicycle giveaway, a butterfly release, bull riding, and well over 40 vendors at the entire event. The evening ended with a fireworks display for the community.
The event is held annually in remembrance of Kaleb who passed away from a tragic car accident in June of 2013. Kaleb’s parents Kim and Kevin Oxender put the event together every year with the support of their family and friends.
Kaleb was a selfless individual who always put others before himself. He wore a smile and constantly looked for ways to help others in need.
That selflessness was even displayed after his death as his choice to be an eye, tissue, and organ donor improved the lives of over 100 people. His selflessness shows how anyone can be a hero to others through organ donation.
One of the unique things about this event is the memorial wall they put up. It’s a wall that displays hundreds of hearts in remembrance of individuals who have passed as well as blue and green butterflies.
Blue butterflies represent those in the area that are in need of an organ donation, green butterflies represent those in the area who have received an organ donation.
This year there were seven blue butterflies and 49 green butterflies and of the 49 green butterflies there were also four that held red hearts on them as they have since passed. This display helps in getting the information out there of the importance of organ and blood donations.
Before the festivities downtown came to a close, and the event moved over to the North Central School’s location, the event gave away 16 bicycles.
Bicycles are something that are donated to the event every year. It’s never been something they’ve asked for, but they are beyond thankful to be able to be a part of giving them to children in the community.
Another unique thing that sets the event apart is the
