I think that every photographer should choose a charitable organization to support and 4 Wheel To Heal is mine. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that takes wounded veterans from all branches of service out on the trail for wheeling and camping. I had originally contacted the founders about doing a story on them and was so impressed with them and the way that the organization is run that I decided to officially volunteer as a driver, photographer and general event help.
They were out at the Lucas Oil Offroad Expo in Pomona last weekend so I made sure to find some time to volunteer at the booth for a few hours each day in-between shooting the event.
We had steady crowds throughout the event and we met some fantastic people. We had a few raffles, were selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, survival bracelets and hats and of course were accepting donations. All money raised goes to pay for the expenses of taking vets and their care-givers out on the trail. Marketing is solely through word-of-mouth and social media.
4 Wheel to Heal will be at two events in Southern California this month; Cal 4WD's Operation Desert Fun in Ocotillo Wells to benefit the Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association on October 18-19th and the OMC Offroad 3RD Annual Holiday Season Food & Toy Drive in Banning on October 26th where we'll be participating in the toy drive and then taking some wounded vets out on the local trails before heading to camp at Bogart Park.
4 Wheel To Heal is a national organization but just getting started out here on the West Coast. If you have a Jeep and want to get involved check out their website at 4W2H.org or feel free to contact me directly. If you don't have an offroad rig but still want to help we are always in need of donations and sponsors. It's a great way to help make a difference in the life of a wounded vet. If you are a vet who would like to have a fun-filled weekend wheeling and camping please get in touch with Jen Schultz at jennifer.schultz@4w2h.org
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