On Monday, May 6, the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association (GCADA) presented $2,000 to the Stonelick Township Firefighters Association for the maintenance of the Dragonfly Firetruck. The yellow firetruck is maintained by the firefighters of Stonelick Township and used to help raise funds and awareness for the Dragonfly Foundation, which supports support young cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and their families.

“The Dragonfly Firetruck is a familiar sight at events around Greater Cincinnati,” said GCADA Executive Vice President Charlie Howard. “From the annual Auto Expo at Duke Energy Convention Center to the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, the firefighters of Stonelick Township are there with the truck taking donations and spreading the word about this wonderful organization. After hearing from the firefighters about some of the work that needed to be done to keep the truck running, our association’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to sponsor its maintenance.”

The Dragonfly Foundation works to address the needs faced by pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and their families outside of treatment, including emotional, relational, and practical support. The Dragonfly Firetruck has been a great way for the Foundation to get the word out and build support throughout Greater Cincinnati. You can learn more about the Dragonfly Foundation and the impact they have had on patients and their families by listening to their new podcast, The Dragonfly Effect, at dragonfly.libsyn.com.

GCADA will provide $2,000 annually towards the maintenance of the Dragonfly Firetruck. Any repairs or service necessary to maintain the truck will be paid for out of those funds, and any unused funds will roll over to the next year. This will ensure that when a major problem arises, such as an injection pump, tires and rims that needed to be replaced in 2016, the Firefighters Association will have the money to address it and get the truck back on the road.