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MAY 26, 2022 | By John Clor

‘BONES’ Group Credits Club Connect, Fast News For Biggest-Ever ‘May It Forward’ Bronco Event

1960's/70's Broncos lined up at show

RINDGE, NH – We’ve featured Ford enthusiast Randy ‘Tasker’ Wickman before in our Ford Fan Spotlight about the work he and his Bronco Owners NorthEast States (BONES) Facebook group does with an annual charity show for veterans each spring dubbed “May It Forward.” Although we’ve not yet been able to attend his event in person, we love to help efforts like his. So we’d suggested to Randy that he register his BONES club on our Ford Performance Club Connect website (www.fordperformanceclubconnect.com) so that we could support and promote his yearly event. He did (it’s fast and free), and BONES was soon on our map.Many broncos in field at show
When Randy connected with us earlier this year about helping him get the word out about the 2022 edition of May It Forward, because his is a registered group we were able to offer a mention in our weekly “Fast News” e-blast (which is sent out to some quarter-million opt-ins each Thursday) as well as a headliner in our “What’s Happening” section of FordPerformance.com. Turns out BONES much appreciated our promotion for their 2022 Bronco show, as evidenced by Randy’s recent note to us below:Broncos in show field

“Thank you, Ford Performance! The exposure you provided helped us achieve some lofty goals for our event! Our 8th annual May It Forward is in the books, and it was one for the ages. BONES is proud to announce that this was our biggest and best year yet. Our Friday night cruise had 40 vehicles in attendance, and our main event on Saturday had a total of 100 trucks representing 13 states -- with a running donation tally of $25,093. Our very first event only had 25 vehicles total, and to have 40 on the street cruise this year alone was simply amazing. The weather could not have been more perfect for all of our friends travelling near and far, and the continued enthusiastic support that the group has given us over the years is very humbling.All white second generation ford bronco
“This year’s cruise took a leisurely pace through North Central Massachusetts, seeing back roads, reservoirs and even Little League games. We managed to stop for a group photo, but that proved to be a challenge as having 40 vehicles participating is not conducive to getting all the rides in one picture. Nevertheless, we tried -- and pressed on. Our dinner break was even more challenging, since having 100 people suddenly show up put a major crimp in the local Drive-In's ability to serve everyone. Many headed off to alternate restaurants, only to see us again in the morning.elevated photo of show field at event
“Saturday started at 4 a.m. for me, but dropping off the many raffle prizes the day before alleviated some pressure. Every year we sweat the details while thinking, ‘What if only a few show up?’ or ‘What if they did not like last year?’ But that quickly got put to rest by 9 a.m. as the trucks came rolling in. The smiles, the reconnecting, and of course those awesome Broncos are what make this event so special. Not only was it record-breaking attendance, but noted veteran advocate and wounded warrior Travis Mills himself (along with his mom) came down to meet and mingle with the BONES faithful. To say he was thoroughly impressed is an understatement. He is such a cool and unassuming guy and immediately gives off a confident vibe that anything can be achieved. (. . . except for perhaps the completion of my own project Bronco!).many broncos parked in grass at show
After our lunch of hot dogs, burgers and all the trimmings it was time for our hearty raffle that, every year, continues to amaze. The participants who donate items to give away (and the generosity of all of our vendors) is sincere, and the fact that we doubled last year's donations is heartwarming. We’re equally blown away by the growth of this ‘little New England’ get-together known as May It Forward, and what it has become, as well as the good that it brings to our veterans in need. Please check out the Travis Mills Foundation and its mission at 
travismillsfoundation.org.many people gathered inside banquet room

 

“And finally, a thank you goes out to all who were part of the 2022 event. With gas prices at an all-time high, we know that hotel stays and the opening up of wallets for charity can be an expensive endeavor, so we greatly appreciate the participation and commitment that many have given us over the years. Please mark your calendars for May It Forward next year, May 12-13th, which will be our 9th go-round! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy some photos of this year’s event below.”Broncos lined up at show
Broncos lined up at show with many people walking

overview of broncos at showMore broncos lined up at showFORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS COURTESY RANDY WICKMAN / BONES