In Service to Others
The Mad River Punishers are committed to making our county a better place for those in our community. Our two main organizations that we have been supporting are the Springfield Soup Kitchen and the Deputy Matthew Yates Memorial Foundation with more organizations planned for the future. Please read about our current organizations below.
Springfield Soup Kitchen
The Springfield Soup Kitchen offers a warm, reliable place for anyone in need to share a free hot meal with a welcoming, home-like setting. Since 2009, they have been helping neighbors who are hungry, homeless, or struggling to make ends meet.
Twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, provides consistency and dignity for people who might not otherwise know where their next dinner is coming from, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to sitting down at the table and having a warm cooked meal. Their open-door approach means individuals and families from across Clark County can find not only food, but also a safe space where they are greeted cheerfully and treated with respect. This can be deeply uplifting during difficult times.
They do not receive financial help from any government funding, so the local community and businesses step up and help provide funds and resources to help keep the doors open. Because of this, it makes it possible for the love and selflessness of of our local volunteers to shine through as they play a vital role in preparing and serving hundreds of dinners each week and making sure everyone feels the love.
We have committed to volunteering at the Springfield Soup Kitchen on a monthly basis and hosting an annual fundraiser, Cruisin' for a Cause, to assist with continuing to provide these much needed services for those who need it the most in our local community.
Deputy Sheriff Matthew Yates Memorial Foundation
Deputy Matthew Yates joined the Ohio Clark County Sheriff's Office in 2007. His dedication and leadership earned him recognition as "Officer of the Year" in 2019, and a place on the Special Operations Team in 2021. With over 15 years of service, he became known not only as a skilled deputy but as someone who cared deeply about mentoring local youth and building trust with residents across Clark County.
On July 24, 2022, Deputy Yates responded to a call and was shot while checking the residence. He became trapped inside during an extended standoff. He was rescued by tactical teams and flown to the Miami Valley Hospital where he later died from his injuries at the young age of 41. 12-60 E.O.W. July 24, 2022.
Due to Deputy Yates' passion for mentoring young minds and his unwavering commitment to community service, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, and other local organizations, established the "Deputy Sheriff Matthew Yates Memorial Foundation". The foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting initiatives that promote safety, mentorship, and community engagement.
We honor Deputy Yates' legacy through our annual event, Cruisin' for a Cause. This event not only helps raise funds for the foundation but also brings together law enforcement, community members, and motorcycle enthusiasts to celebrate Deputy Yates' life and contributions.
