Teen Challenge plans crane drive, bike run

YOUNGSTOWN — Ohio Valley Teen Challenge, a residential and crisis referral center, is sponsoring coinciding fundraising events this month.

At 1 p.m. June 20 in the parking lot of Chick-fil-A on Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, a crane will hoist Pastor Ray Barnett, executive director of OVTC, more than 60 feet into the air. He’ll remain there for 24 hours (1,440 minutes) and be joined by others throughout the night.

Donors are asked to help by sponsoring minutes at $3.50 for each minute someone is up in the crane.

At 9 a.m. June 21, the motorcycle Freedom Run will begin at the crane site. Participants should meet at the site at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. The return will be at noon. The cost is $25 and $10 for a passenger. A blessing of the bikes will take place at 8 p.m. June 20.

To register, volunteer, or for more information, call event coordinator Pastor Jerry Hunt at (330) 550-3131 or call the center at (330) 779-0099.

Sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Life Fleet, RSC Equipment Rental, Homestead RV Center and Victory Christian Center.

All proceeds go toward the opening of a residential treatment program in the former Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital on the North Side for men struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.