KV REMC supports Play for Jake Foundation with car show and cornhole at Hearts in Motion event

The Kankakee Valley (KV) REMC Junior Board of Directors welcomed the community to the Porter County Fairgrounds on May 30 for the board’s Hearts in Motion Day of Service event to benefit the Play for Jake Foundation. The event featured a car show and a cornhole tournament and provided an excellent opportunity to give back while having a good time.

“The kids chose these activities. They wanted to find an activity that could reach many people and be something that the whole family could come out and enjoy. I feel this was accomplished,” said Facilities Manager at KV REMC and Co-Sponsor of the Junior Board of Directors, Dave Howell. “Their goal was to raise as much money as they could for this great foundation that is doing so much for the community.”

Proceeds from both activities will be used to support the Play for Jake Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness and education about undetected heart conditions in youth. It was important to the Junior Board of Directors that they support a local organization creating real change in the community.

“The Junior Board of Directors considered several organizations to support before selecting the Play for Jake Foundation. Founded by a mother after the sudden loss of her son, Jake, a high school student, the students felt a connection to the organization because of being high school students themselves,” said Howell. “The money will go toward putting AEDs in as many different places as possible.”

The day began with the car show, which saw local auto enthusiasts and gearheads gather to show off their rides and connect over their shared hobby. The Region’s love of cars always makes car shows a popular summer pastime, and being able to support a good cause made the time together that much more enjoyable. Trophies were awarded at noon.

At 11 a.m., guests partnered up for a cornhole tournament with cash prizes on the line. The Junior Board of Directors wanted a way to engage attendees, and participating in a friendly competition proved the right way to go.

“We decided on a cornhole tournament and car show because we wanted something that would bring a lot of different parties together to have fun and support Play for Jake,” said Clint Lemmons, a junior board of director participant from Morgan Township High School. “Doing stuff like this can help raise awareness, not only to support the organization financially, but it also makes sure everyone knows exactly what the good cause does.”

Julie West, founder of the Play for Jake Foundation, was excited to see so many people out in support of the Hearts in Motion event.

“From the beginning, after losing Jake, our main goal was to raise awareness of undetected heart conditions and to stress how important it is that parents know the condition of their child’s heart,” said West. “I’m blessed that I am able to take such a tragedy and change gears. I can educate and help others.”

Throughout the eight-month program, students participated in their own community service work, with each reported hour being assisted a monetary value by KV REMC.  This money for the student’s community service hours, plus community donations and sponsorships and event registration fees generated a donation of $6,440.80 to the Play for Jake Foundation. 

The event wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of KV REMC’s Junior Board of Directors. The Junior Board of Directors program helps students aspiring to be community leaders learn the skills they need to succeed while building connections. The Hearts in Motion event capped off this year’s program with a bang.

“This program really helped all of us grow as people and helped us be able to work on a team. We had to work together to make this day happen. Throughout every meeting, we’ve been to a bunch of community events, community meetings, and places within the community like the courthouse,” said Madison Scarborough, junior board of director from South Central High School. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to better themselves and learn more about the community.”

While the Hearts in Motion event may be over, you can still support the Play for Jake Foundation. Visitplayforjake.org to learn more. 

Applications are also now being accepted for students who will be juniors in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.  Visit https://www.kvremc.com/community/youth-programs/junior-board-of-directors/