Jeepin’ 4 Vets draws 102 Jeeps to raise money for local VFW, veteran causes

Mad Dog, Sgt. Coyon, Tigress and Bombshell were some of the more than 100 Jeeps participating Saturday during the first Jeepin’ 4 Vets event at the Gonzales VFW Post 3693.

The day included a Craft & Vendor Village, a silent auction, kids’ activities, bands and the main attraction — Jeeps.

Organizer Kevin Bumgardner, of local club Bayou Jeep Mafia, said the event was a day dedicated to Jeeps, of course, but most importantly, to veterans.

“We wanted to give back to the veterans because we get to do what we do because of them,” Bumgardner said.

Seventy-three Jeeps registered for the Jeep Show n’ Shine contest with 20 of those from out of state, Bumgardner said.

“I had the idea and then worked with the VFW to make it happen,” he said.

Proceeds from the event went to VFW Post 3693, where the event was held.

“The turnout was a lot better than we expected,” Bumgardner said. “We initially thought we’d have 30 to 40 Jeeps.”

Mad Dog owner Madison Yates, 17, of Dutchtown, showed her 2016 Jeep Wrangler.

Named after Yates’ own nickname, Mad Dog was a gift from her parents, Amanda and Jeffery Imler, to reward her for meeting all her responsibilities.

Yates, who works at Cara’s House, loves the Jeep’s green theme, as well as the little details such as an outside bottle opener.

While this was only Yates’ second Jeep show, she said this was an opportunity to showcase her Jeep, but supporting veterans was a big focus.

“My dad is a veteran, and I want to help raise money for them,” she said. “They gave us the freedom we have today.”

One of the 42 vendors featured at the event included Baton Rouge Soldier Outreach.

The group’s goal is to “make the troops” deployment a little easier and to let them know we appreciate the sacrifice they are making,” CEO Christy Smith said.

BR Soldier Outreach ships comfort items to deployed soldiers four times a year.

People can nominate soldiers and their units to receive packages, Smith said.

The group accepts donations at various locations in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes.

“We offer services to veterans as well as those currently deployed,” Smith said. “We also accept various slightly used items and money donations.”

Her booth sold handmade jewelry, wreaths, memory trees and other small items at the event.

“We attend various events, such as this one, to bring awareness,” Smith said.

Brandy and Brian Thibodeaux traveled from Vacherie to the event in their 2021 Wrangler Sport.

The couple typically ride with an American theme featuring flags.

They’ve attended other car events together, such as Cruisin’ for the Coast.

“We came out here to support veterans,” Brandy Thibodeaux said. “Anytime we can show our support, we will.”

Brian Thibodeaux’s hobby rotates around Jeeps. He recently restored a 1985 Jeep by stripping it down and building it back up.

Olivia Guitreau’s budding business, Not A Boring Store, was another one of the vendor booths. Guitreau owns a 2020 Sahara Wrangler.

Her booth sold various handcrafted items, including wood-burned home décor and Louisiana-themed hand-painted tiles.

The wood comes from the cypress trees in her backyard.

“I came to this event because my grandfather and cousin served in the military,” Guitreau said.

Guitreau’s mother, Marinea McGeehee, was named after the Marines. McGeehee’s father, Roger Olivier Sr., served during the early years of the Vietnam War.

Guitreau’s cousin, Daniel Oliver III, is a Purple Heart recipient who served two tours in Afghanistan attended the event.

“Veterans are very close to our hearts,” Guitreau said.

For more information about upcoming events at VFW Post 3693, visit www.vfw3693.org. For more information about BR Soldier Outreach, visit www.brsoldieroutreach.com.