The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association, the organization that owns and executes the festival, successfully completed the 2016 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival last June, the first time the event was held under its ownership.

The group celebrated its success by donating $20,000 to 19 local groups.

“When our new organization was formed in October 2015 to secure the future of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, our board of directors felt very strongly that a portion of the festival proceeds needed to support nonprofit and civic organizations,” said Rodney Schaffer, FBJA president.

In addition, the association provided $15,000 to 10 local organizations that assisted with executing the 2016 festival.

“We are proud that the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival has become such an important event, not only in our region, but within the national Jeep community,” said Schaffer.

“We are pleased that the event benefits both businesses and nonprofit and civic groups. We would not be able to offer these gifts without the more than 500 volunteers who help to plan and execute the festival each year. These gifts are an example of how their time and talents are used to not just benefit the festival, but to help our entire community.”

The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association plans to announce the opportunity for groups to apply for 2017 financial gifts in August.