Photo Provided Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, left, signs off on the distribution of funds raised by the Belmont County Staying Clean Car, Bike and Truck Show & Festival this year. The effort managed to raise $37,350 despite the fact that the show itself was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking on is Classy Chassis Car Club President Jim McCraw.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — COVID-19 canceled the annual Belmont County Staying Clean Car, Bike and Truck Show & Festival this year, but it didn’t stop organizers from raising more than $37,000 to help keep local students drug-free.

A joint effort among Belmont County’s courts and the Classy Chasis Car Club, the event usually held at the Ohio valley Mall benefits the Staying Clean drug-free clubs in all of the county’s schools. Funds raised support student memberships and drug testing.

Despite the fact that the show did not actually take place this year, canceled in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, sponsors remained true to the cause. DOnations and sponsorships ultimately generated $37,350 for the effort this year.

Proceeds have been higher in past years, with the 2019 event resulting in record high revenue of $68,375.66 — due in part to a Jeep auction, courtesy of Thomas Auto Center. In 2018, the show raised $40,927.64 and in 2017 — its inaugural year — it generated $22,368.71.

In total, the event has raised $169,004.01 for the drug-free clubs over its four-year history.

Key organizers of the annual fundraiser include Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, Clerk of Courts Cynthia Fregiato, Classy Chassis Car Club President Jim McCraw, Juvenile Judge Albert Davies, Juvenile Clerk Kara Mowery and Juvenile Clerk Diane Elerick. They expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who made the effort a success despite the fact that the actual activity had to be canceled.

See page A8 for a full listing of event sponsors.