BOGG to be honored at Fifth Third Field on May 9
Vectren Corporation and the Dayton Dragons will host Jason Barton and Jason Johnston during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne Tincaps at Fifth Third Field.
The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor 35 “All-Stars”-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families with a VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.
Jason and Jason’s Story
Jason Barton and Jason Johnston met several years ago at their church leading a small group of high school students together and became fast friends. When searching for a place in Miamisburg to serve the community with their small group, they discovered a lot of need and not enough being done to meet the need. The two friends decided to do something about it.
“It was just something that was on my heart,” said Barton. “Anytime we go out with friends or family, it is always over a meal. And there are a lot of hungry people in our community. The best way to get out and reach them is to feed them.”
They both left their full time jobs and founded BOGG (Because of God’s Grace) Ministries in 2010, feeding about four families a week. Barton and Johnston, working unpaid for the first 18 months of BOGG, would go to each family’s house, have dinner, and provide them with groceries. The ministry rapidly grew and within seven months, BOGG was reaching 35 families. The next step for BOGG was mobile meals
Mobile meals is a system BOGG Ministries uses to reach the eight communities they now serve. They visit each area once a month with their mobile food pantry, fire up a grill, have a meal with the families, and provide groceries for one to two weeks.
“In 2013, we provided just under 250,000 meals,” Johnston explained. “Currently we are providing food for 1,500-1,800 people a month. It’s not just about the food though. Relationships are key. It is about being compassionate with our neighbors.”
For giving back selflessly to the community they are a part of, Barton and Johnston have been selected as Dragons Community All-Stars. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.
The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com. To learn more about BOGG Ministries and how you can help, visit www.thebogg.org.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.