GratiTuesday: Jamie Woodworth Meyers

Stride Pro Wrestling’s Superfan

Pro wrestling fans are a unique bunch. They’re some of the most passionate and caring people I’ve met. That probably breaks a stereotype non-wrestling fans have of ‘my people.’ I’ve seen more of that giving spirit in recent weeks with Stride Pro Wrestling and IWA Productions.

I’ve blogged before about Jerry Travelstead and Heath Hatton and their efforts to raise money for various groups around southern Illinois by hosting a Stride Pro Wrestling event. Jamie Woodworth Meyers did just that last year for the company she works for, YouthBuild. The non-profit organization provides education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young American adults. In many cases, these are people who have dropped out of high school.

Last year Stride held a fundraiser featuring WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton. That event raised thousands of dollars. Stride is returning to Mt. Vernon this Saturday (April 14) to do it again. This time former WWE Superstar James Ellsworth is the guest. There’s a meet and greet planned before the matches start at Roadhouse Harley Davidson in Mt. Vernon. You can get more details here.

Jamie also stepped up in a big way this past weekend as we held a fundraiser for referee Lane Austin. She and her family operated the concession stand and provided most the goodies sold that night. She and her son Hunter also bought items during our silent auction that night. Our efforts raised more than a thousand dollars for Lane and his medical bills.

I also wanted to give a shoutout to John and Patty Bach. They’re behind IWA Productions. Friday night they held a show and raised more than a thousand dollars for Spring Garden Middle School. The couple also donated items and food for the silent auction and concession stand.

Thanks to the fans who support these fundraisers and the wrestlers who put their bodies on the line to raise money and awareness for others in need. It’s a selfless group of men and women inside the locker room sitting around the ring watching.