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Jeep enthusiasts support victims of domestic violence

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Morgan Cushey/For the Observer-Reporter

From left, Matt Stauffer, Tom Fronzaglio, Allen Fronzaglio, Thomas Oprosky and Josh Bell, members of the Mon Valley Jeepers club, prepare for an upcoming event.

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Morgan Cushey/For the Observer-Reporter

From left, Thomas Oprosky, Josh Bell, Allen Fronzaglio, Tom Fronzaglio and Matt Stauffer of Mon Valley Jeepers show off their Jeeps.

Jeep enthusiasts will unite Saturday to help raise awareness and show support for victims of domestic violence at the first “Jeepers Against Domestic Violence” fundraising event, to be held from noon to 6 p.m. at Tradesmen’s Inn near Scenery Hill.

The Mon Valley Jeepers will be joined by Wicked Jeeps of Western Pa., Ohio Valley Jeep Alliance, MDJ Deplorables , Empire Jeep Girl and Pittsburgh Jeep Club.

Mon Valley Jeepers was started around 2008 by a group of Mon Valley Jeep owners. Since then, the Mon Valley Jeepers has grown into an organization of roughly 155 members that focuses on helping the community and providing emergency assistance to first responders with their Jeep Emergency Response Team.

“A lot of it is near and dear to my heart. People we know were involved in domestic violence,” said Tom Fronzaglio, president of the Mon Valley Jeepers.

Matt Stauffer, member of the Mon Valley Jeepers, said police officers have been killed responding to domestic violence calls and that men are also victims of domestic violence.

Jeepers logo

“There’s a lot of domestic violence out there and it needs to stop,” Stauffer said.

The event will include a 50/50 raffle and auction, and T-shirts will be sold, with the proceeds being donated to Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP). There will also be a DJ and cornhole games.

Fronzaglio said donations are being accepted through PayPal at monvalleyjeepers@hotmail.com. He said those who can’t make it to the event but would like to order shirts or decals can order them through the Mon Valley Jeepers Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/monvalleyjeepers/.

Allison Weakland, counselor/advocate & community education specialist at DVSSP, will speak at the event.

“The more people we can connect with the better,” Weakland said.

She said it is important for the organization to connect with people to raise awareness of what it is and how they member are trying to put an end to domestic violence.

Weakland said all DVSSP services are confidential and that those in need should not hesitate to reach out. She also said family and friends who are helping someone involved in a domestic violence situation should be aware that it can be easy to get frustrated when their loved one or friend doesn’t leave right or away, or goes back to the abusive relationship.

“Remain patient and supportive. Eventually they will leave that partner and they can best help them by remaining patient and nonjudgmental,” Weakland said.

More information about the event can be found on the Jeepers Against Domestic Violence event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/182686602352240/.

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