It was impossible last year because, well, it was 2020, the year when every social event was canceled because of Covid.
But this June the crew at Quaker Steak and Lube once again will hold the annual Hope for Hines event at The Highlands with live entertainment, several different menu items, raffles, basket auctions, and plenty of activities for children. The annual event started seven years ago following a childhood cancer diagnosis for 1-year-old Hines, the son of Kevin and Debbie Rotriga.
“We have scheduled our Hope for Hines for June 13 from Noon until 6 p.m., and we’re very excited because we had to cancel last year’s event because of Covid-19,” explained Christine Thomas, marketing manager for The Lube at The Highlands. “This year Hines’ friend will be Jaymison Redman. His mother has worked here at The Lube since we first opened the doors 12 years ago, and he has been diagnosed, and he’s fighting back.”
After many tests, Jaymison was diagnosed with Pineoblastoma after a large tumor was discovered on his brain in September 2019. Through the pandemic, the 9-year-old has endured several surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. A previous event held by The Lube in October was a huge success.
“We’re going to have live music again like we have in the past, and that means Crazy Horse will donate their time once again,” she said. “We are still working on the rest of the live music, but since we started the event seven years ago, plenty of local performers have donated their time because it’s a great event and a very important issue. Childhood cancer is a sad situation because no one want to see a child suffering.”
Something for Everyone
Thomas and her crew create a playground for both children and the adults who attend Hope for Hines.
The kids get amusement attractions, face painting, and several game stations, and the adults are offered live entertainment and food and drink specials. A classic car show has taken place in the past, as well, so Thomas has plenty of planning to do.
“We’re going to have plenty of vendors and, of course, the bounce houses and other things for the children. There are a lot of options for other things because of the talent we have in our Valley,” she explained. “Now, we will be follow the guidelines that are in place by the state at that time. I know most people expect things to be opened up more than they are now, but we’re just going to have to wait and see what Gov. Justice has in place in June.
“We started the Hope for Hines event when Hines was only 2 years old, and now the event benefits other children who have been diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer,” Thomas continued. “Hines has been doing great the past few years, and it’s been great to see him be a kid. For so many years, the treatments took that away from him, but it’s easy to see that he’s feeling much better these days.”
Vendors interested in the event can contact Thomas via email or by phone. Her email address is CThomas@TheLube.com and the eatery’s phone number is 304-547-1100.
Normal or a New Normal?
Positive results for Covid-19 continue to be recorded each day in the Upper Ohio Valley, but the fact that vaccinations have been taking place since December has played a role in a significant decline in the number of cases, hospitalizations, and death across the country.
W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice continued Monday to soften restrictions on public events by announcing that fairs and festivals are permitted to take place beginning May 1. Social distancing requirements and the governor’s mask mandate remain in place today, but it could change in the next three months.
“As the numbers have gone down and people are getting vaccinated, it’s really felt great to get some normalcy back into our lives,” Thomas said. “And, of course, Hines and his family will be here, and hopefully he will talk to some of the people who have supported him from the beginning. He usually runs to the bounce houses when he first gets here, and that’s just fine because we get to see him be happy.
“I did not know the Rotriga family until we started to have the event for him and his family, and now, that young man will always have a place in my heart,” the marketing manager added. “Helping these families has always been very important to everyone who works here at The Lube, and the same goes when we do other events here to help local families in the Upper Ohio Valley.”
