MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. — Because of COVID-19, nonprofits around the nation and in Kansas City worried about how they would raise money for the year.
"I didn't know what we were going to do," said BJ Thomas-Wilson, founder of local nonprofit Shifting Gears for Regan.
Last year, the nonprofit held a ride followed by a dinner, music and silent auctions.
"It was this big, huge thing," Thomas-Wilson said. "I wasn't sure we were going to be able to do anything [this year]."
But instead of canceling, groups like Shifting Gears for Regan got creative.
Around Paola and Louisburg, people visited various wineries and businesses, soaking up all that Miami County has to offer as part of a "passport cruise."
"We have an alpaca farm where you can go and meet the alpacas. We have a BBQ truck there," Thomas-Wilson said. "We have a lavender farm, so you can go and check out all the lavender."
The event, though geared toward fun, is raising money in honor of their daughter.
"We lost our daughter (Regan Johnson) in December 2017," Thomas-Wilson said.
Regan Johnson died by suicide, and her family is raising money to make sure teens have mental health support.
"We are doing everything we can to raise awareness with the communities around Paola, Miami County and Johnson County," Jeremy Wilson, Regan's stepfather, said.
Her family was shocked to see how many people showed up on Saturday to support them and said they are grateful.
"I love that people are choosing to spend their time with us," Thomas-Wilson said. "It's a cause obviously that is very important to us and for other people to get on board and stand behind us in that fight is remarkable."
