Pink Warrior Angels hold car wash fundraiser

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Washing, soaping, scrubbing, drying, and vacuuming cars isn’t at the top of many teens’ lists of fun weekend activities, but in order to raise money for a good cause, 15 members of the Pink Warrior Angels of Texas Youth Council spent their Saturday doing just that.
The PWATX gathered at Chip Control Auto Glass for a car wash and bake sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Their goal was both to raise awareness for their group and to raise money for the PWATX. 
The PWATX will use the money that they raised towards directly supporting those who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Ariel Draper (15), a member of the PWATX Youth Council, helped organize the event. She gathered the other members of the youth council who volunteered their time and efforts to wash, dry, and vacuum vehicles for a minimum donation of $7, though they were more than happy to accept larger donations. The goodies at the bake sale were sold for donations.
“I know that Mister Car Wash, when my dad goes, it costs $9, so I wanted to lower that price a little bit,” said Draper.
Draper said that throughout most of the day, she and the other volunteers worked non-stop. She said that it was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it since it was for a good cause.
“They do a lot for people who were diagnosed with cancer or are survivors of cancer,” said Draper about the PWATX. “They help out with their financial needs and help to make life easier for them.”
Andrew Strouth, owner of Chip Control Auto Glass, said that they not only donated the use of one of their service bays, they also allowed the kids to use their water and cleaning materials free of charge. On top of that, they donated a portion of their proceeds for each customer that had a chipped windshield repaired that day.
“We want this to be the best fundraiser for them,” said Strouth. “I love it. I’m really impressed with them…I like to see young people having something to work towards and learning good work ethic. They are not making money for themselves; they’re doing it for a good cause That’s why I’m so open to the idea of doing these events. I like to see young people staying busy and out of trouble.”
Strouth said that his former job as a police officer is what motivated him to invite young people to use one of their service bays for car wash fundraisers. He said that they are open to any group that is trying to raise money for a good cause. Their location is also ideal as they have a drain in their floor, and the young car washers have a roof over their heads so that they do not have to bake in the Texas summer sun.
Casey Byers, event coordinator, said that the PWATX are always looking for more sponsors, noting that Raising Cane’s is one of their biggest sponsors.
“As Pink Warrior Angels Texas we try to give back. Our motto is give more, help more, share more, and we take that very seriously,” said Casey Byers, event coordinator. “We want to be able to have the resources to do as much as our volunteers are able to do. The bigger the group, and the more funds, the more we can give back.”
Byers said that one of their next events is the Connor Hedge Scholarship and Toy Drive which will take place at Raising Cane’s July 16. They are looking for more applicants for the scholarship as well as toy and money donations. 
“It’s wonderful,” said Linda Boynton who had her car washed at the event. “People are always saying that the millennials are bad, that the millennials are lazy. Obviously, they’re not, because they’re out here working.”
Boynton added that she was very impressed that the youngsters were working so hard, not to raise money for themselves, but to raise money to help others.
“It’s very altruistic,” said Boynton.
Those interested in donating or learning more about the PWATX can find them on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PWATX/