RPW Exclusive: Family & Friends Raise A New Record For Kevin Ward Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Column By: ROBERT SYMONDS / RPW – PORT LEYDEN, NY – On what seemed to be yet another dry day in the North Country of New York State, the Herring Speedway was being watered in preparation and the chicken barbeque was being seasoned once more.

As the gates opened, family and friends were greeted by the immediate family of Kevin Ward Jr in high hopes of raising money towards the scholarship fund set in place by the Ward Family.

Heading down the small sloped hill and inside the tent, you were greeted by Pam Ward, Kevin’s mother, selling apparel with Kevin’s racing logo on them. Going into the tent further were auction items including a custom quilt made by Gaylee, Kevin’s grandmother. The quilt featured photos of Kevin racing and favorite moments during his racing career all stitched and arranged in a beautiful pattern.

Other items that were later sold in the auction included two whole gokarts and other go kart parts and supplies donated by Doug Grimaldi. Three custom made Kevin Ward Jr Memorial wreaths made by Viola Herring were also sold in the auction to the highest bidders.

During the entire event, located in the tent was a concession stand with chicken barbeque, snacks, baked goods, and drinks all donated by family and friends. To the right of the concession stand was the Chinese auction which had well over fifty different items. With many chances for people to win a prize out of the Chinese auction, there was still a 50/50 going around for people to purchase as well.

Now on the racing… The Herring Speedway, located just outside of Port Leyden, saw about 30 go-karts and drivers whom were all racing for the coveted Kevin Ward Jr Memorial trophy. Among the drivers are Empire Super Sprint drivers of Matt Tanner and Denny Peebles, both good friends of the Ward Family. Between qualifiers, B-Mains, Dash, and the feature events there was plenty of time for racers to get a win.

Through all of this, it was Matt Tanner whom had won the Kevin Ward Jr Memorial Race after grabbing the lead with seven laps to go. Matt and his family had a very happy victory lane as mentioned Matt was a good friend of both Kevin and the Ward Family. Matt’s parents also had left the event with the quilt after buying it in the auction for $3,500.

Days later, I had spoken with Pam Ward on the end result of the Scholarship Fundraising. After a few years of building up the scholarship fund, the Ward family is happy to announce that the scholarship fundraiser raised a total of $16,000. This will be split between a high school graduate at South Lewis High School and a graduate from the local area BOCES for a graduate in Heavy Equipment.

The Ward Family wrapped up the event thanking everyone for their time and donations and hoped to see everyone back next year.