Bull riding event raises &#e6;30,000 for cancer assistance

The International Bull Riding Extravaganza drew a crowd of nearly 2,000 people to the J Bar W Ranch in Johnsville, and coupled with the Family Funomenon PPF has planned for Sept. 28, Williams said she hopes to raise more than &#e6;60,000.

The extravaganza may have also been witness to a minor miracle Ò despite rain, hail and thunder throughout the region that day, Williams said the J Bar W Ranch Arena did not get a single drop of precipitation. Williams said she took this as a sign that she was doing the Lord's work.

"He's our CEO," she said.

The Patty Pallatos Fund began in 1992 when Williams' friend, Patty Pallatos, was diagnosed with cancer. "She was a middle class cancer victim," Williams said. "There were no social services to help her."

In 30 days, the charity was able to raise &#e6;20,000 to pay for in-home care for Pallatos until her death. "She was able to die with dignity," Williams said. After the success of the initial fund raiser, Williams said she knew in her heart that she should help others who were suffering from cancer or who had other special needs.

Because the charity is operated entirely by volunteers, it has no overhead and can donate 100 percent of its proceeds to the intended recipients. To date, the charity has raised more than &#e6;2 million according to its Web site.

Williams also said the charity has been able to branch out significantly, contributing thousands of dollars to Frederick County charities and providing disaster relief in addition to helping individual victims of cancer and disabilities. The fund assisted with relief efforts to victims of Hurricane Katrina, and has also helped victims of flooding in Iowa by donating mobile homes to displaced people. Williams said that she was amazed at all the different opportunities the charity has found to help not only in Frederick County but other parts of the county.

"It's unbelievable where He calls us," she said.

PPF also participates in bull riding events through IBR the first and third Saturday of every month by hosting 50/50 raffles.

"Everybody doing a little bit makes a difference," she said.

For more information, call 301-663-8316 or visit the charity's Web site, http://www.ppfinc.

org.

Monrovia native

completes basic training

Jennifer N. Johnson of Monrovia, an airman in the US Air Force, recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

During her training Johnson studied the Air Force's mission, organization and customs, as well as perfecting physical skills such as rifle marksmanship, ceremonial marches, and field training.

She also received special training in human relations.

Johnon's training will also count toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force, according to a press release.

She is the daughter of Gregory and Marina Johnson of Monrovia.

Johnson graduated in 2002 from Urbana High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from the University of Maryland University College.

Area natives

graduate college

nVirginia Tech awarded two natives of southeastern Frederick County with bachelor's degrees at a commencement ceremony in Blacksburg, Va. on May 9.

Michael Sherman of Monrovia received a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering, and graduated summa cum laude.

Katherine LaDue of New Market earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

nIjamsville resident Meghan Krompasick also graduated from Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Do you have an item for News and Notes? Contact reporter Chris Brown at 301-846-2132, e-mail chbrown@gazette.

net, or fax news to 301-846-2124.