The area’s first responders were recognized, honored, and supported at the 10th annual Heaps of Jeeps this past weekend — and the event topped its $100,000 fundraising goal, bringing in a total of $104,626.

Despite periods of rain, the multi-day celebration drew strong crowds with a Jeep Show and Shine, live music, a fire show, hula dancers, and a countywide poker run.

Kasey Yochum, president of Heaps of Jeeps Inc., said the event began as a way to bring people to Knox County and support a cause deeply personal to her family.

“I am a firm believer that the first responders, they are the pillars of our community,” Yochum said. “They help each and every one of us by keeping us safe and secure… I can’t be with [my kids] every second. But if something should happen, a first responder would be there. And if they could do nothing more than hold their hand, I love them for that.”

Heaps of Jeeps officially became a nonprofit in 2019. Since then, it has raised more than $400,000 and returned over $145,000 directly to first responder families facing illness, injury, or loss.

The organization has also helped fund items such as ballistic shields, water rescue kits, Guardian Angel safety devices, and K9 unit support.